Collective

• The Kremlin has opened up discussions with the Taliban before, and Russia was one of the few nations to accredit a diplomat when the organisation took control of Afghanistan.
• But Afghanistan’s political and economic crisis and western sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine war mean both sides have something to gain from a stronger relationship.
• A few months later, Vladimir Putin signed a decree implementing the UN resolution and imposing sanctions against the Taliban.

Interests and goals

• The Taliban wants international sanctions to be withdrawn, to take Afghanistan’s UN seat and for frozen assets to be released, which will help the country’s economic development.
• Russia taking the Taliban off their terrorism list would be a first step toward international recognition for the current Afghan government.
• Russia’s 2023 foreign policy plan mentions prospects for Afghanistan’s integration into “the Eurasian space for cooperation”.

Russia’s relationship building

• The increasing cooperation between the Taliban and Russia has implications in terms of the ongoing rivalry between Russia and the west.
• Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, Moscow has tried to get other nations to support its strategic view of why the war is happening.
• This version of history and policy positions Russia as a protector of traditional religions and values and places it among major world civilisations, contrasting it with the “godless” west.

Intigam Mamedov does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.