Russia hosts Taliban delegation in Moscow, signaling growing engagement with Afghanistan’s rulers while warning against any foreign military presence in the country. The high-level talks mark a new phase in Russia’s regional diplomacy as Moscow seeks to strengthen security and trade ties with Kabul.
Lavrov praises Taliban and rejects foreign bases
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov opened the session by praising the Taliban’s efforts to combat terrorism and drug trafficking. He also made clear that Russia would not tolerate any foreign military return to Afghanistan.
“The deployment of military infrastructure of any third countries on Afghan territory, or in neighboring states, is categorically unacceptable,” Lavrov said.
His remarks came weeks after the Taliban rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to retake Bagram Air Base, which the U.S. abandoned during its 2021 withdrawal. Lavrov added that any renewed foreign presence would “only lead to destabilization and new conflicts.”
Russia hosts Taliban delegation amid global tensions
By hosting the Taliban delegation, Russia highlighted its intention to play a leading regional role in Afghanistan’s future. Lavrov said Moscow was expanding its cooperation with Kabul on anti-terrorism, trade, and counter-narcotics.
He also accused Western countries of punishing the Afghan people through sanctions and the freezing of Afghan assets.
“The West’s hostile policies have only deepened Afghanistan’s suffering,” he said.
Russia’s stance builds on its long history with Afghanistan. The Soviet Union’s decade-long war there ended in 1989, and Moscow remains wary of renewed foreign interventions.
Taliban welcomes Moscow’s recognition
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who led the delegation, thanked Russia for officially recognizing the Taliban government earlier this year.
“We appreciate Russia’s bold move and hope other countries follow its example,” Muttaqi said.
He called the Moscow talks “a good opportunity for regional countries to share views and build cooperation.” The Taliban delegation presented Afghanistan as a nation ready for investment, transit, and economic partnerships after decades of war.
Regional powers attend Russia-Taliban talks
Officials from China, Iran, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan also participated in the Moscow conference. Their involvement underscores the regional interest in ensuring Afghanistan’s stability.
Analysts said that by hosting the Taliban, Russia aims to expand influence in Central Asia and counter U.S. efforts to regain strategic footing near Afghanistan.
A senior Russian diplomat said the goal was “a regional consensus for a peaceful and independent Afghanistan.”
Afghanistan’s isolation continues
Despite the warm reception in Moscow, the Taliban remain isolated internationally due to their strict policies on women’s rights. Since seizing power in 2021, the regime has banned women from most jobs, public spaces, and education beyond sixth grade.
Global human rights groups and the United Nations have condemned the restrictions as “gender apartheid.”
While Lavrov avoided public criticism, Russian officials admit privately that these policies hinder full recognition and investment.
Economic and security cooperation deepens
During the talks, both sides discussed energy projects, trade routes, and humanitarian aid. Russia plans to support Afghanistan in sectors such as mining, fuel supply, and regional transport.
Afghan officials said they hoped Russian companies would invest in energy exploration and logistics to boost the country’s economy.
Lavrov reaffirmed that Russia will continue aiding Afghanistan in anti-terror and anti-drug operations, working through regional alliances like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
Russia hosts Taliban delegation to expand influence
Experts see the Russia-Taliban partnership as part of Moscow’s broader effort to form new alliances outside the Western sphere. Facing sanctions and diplomatic isolation, Russia is turning toward countries like China, Iran, and Afghanistan.
For the Taliban, Russia’s recognition provides political legitimacy and potential economic support. However, analysts warn that without internal reforms and respect for human rights, Afghanistan will remain unstable.
“Russia’s engagement gives the Taliban recognition, but legitimacy requires responsible governance,” said a Moscow-based regional analyst.
Conclusion
As Russia hosts Taliban delegation meetings and promotes a vision of regional cooperation, the Kremlin is asserting its role as a key power broker in Afghanistan’s future. The challenge now is whether Moscow and Kabul can turn diplomatic gestures into real progress — without reigniting the instability that has defined Afghanistan’s modern history.
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