Russia Will Arm the Taliban, Viewing Them as an Ally

Send a clear message to the West: Don't interfere in Central Asian affairs

Author: Stanislav Tarasov

Russia is the first country in the world to formally recognize the Islamic Emirate, which was declared by the "Taliban" movement * after it retook Kabul in 2021. This principled decision was made by Vladimir Putin based on a proposal from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. It marks a significant shift in Russia's policy in the region.

The first Afghan Islamic Emirate, proclaimed in 1996 and ended in 2001, was only recognized by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Pakistan.

Zamir Kablov, a consultant to the Russian Foreign Ministry and special representative of the President of Russia for Afghanistan, stated that the Taliban are becoming "an objective ally of ours, and we should support them in all aspects, including arming them."

At the same time, under the pressure of sanctions and the restructuring of international trade and economic relations due to changes in the Middle East and the South Caucasus, Russia also hopes to expand economic cooperation with Afghanistan.

The statement by Russia's ambassador to Kabul, Dmitry Zhirnov, also reflects this. The Afghan Foreign Minister Amr Khan Mutaqi welcomed Moscow's decision, calling it a good beginning for a new phase in bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Afghan political scientist Mohammad Hussain Sayed believes that "Kabul has established a pattern of friendly relations with other countries, which may soon follow the steps taken by the Russian government and take similar actions."

Anas Hakani, a senior Taliban leader, emphasized that "pressure and isolation policies do not work," and "dialogue and cooperation are the only way to solve problems and bring countries closer together." This is an indirect political message to the West, especially the United States, indicating that Russia is ready to fill the gap left by the Western withdrawal from Afghanistan alongside China.

As for the relevant countries, sending ambassadors to Kabul and accepting representatives of the Taliban at the same level "currently only indicates de facto recognition of the Afghan government." Therefore, in fact, Moscow has become one of the main players in the region, which has prompted neighboring Pakistan to take certain actions.

Pakistan may take action in the coming days because it does not question the legitimacy of the Afghan government, despite some differences between the two countries, but still treats it as a neighbor for interaction.

However, Islamabad's final decision will depend on security considerations, provided that Kabul can provide sufficient guarantees to ensure the security of its borders and internal stability.

Regardless, Moscow's decision opens the door for similar recognitions, which may turn investment issues into concrete actions, attracting regional and international business people.

Hopes for increased trade between the two countries are growing, and Russia is reiterating its recent decision to strengthen trade and economic cooperation and increase investments, especially after the vacuum created by the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

Certainly, Russia has not yet invested in Afghanistan, but its technical capabilities in machinery manufacturing and oil extraction currently give hope for actual cooperation between Kabul and Moscow. A new geopolitical reality is forming in the region, which becomes part of the political competition for influence in Central Asia and South Asia against the West.

Objectively, Russia has issued an "implicit" challenge to the West, especially to the United States and NATO, which supported it during the 20-year occupation of Afghanistan, leaving behind great destruction. Russia also sends a signal that it is ready to fill this vacuum and establish political relations, something that other countries have failed to achieve in this regard.

This step can even be seen as part of the struggle for spheres of influence between Russia and the West, as Moscow tries to consolidate its political and economic position in Central Asia and South Asia through Kabul, which is particularly important in the context of the Ukraine conflict and tense relations with the West.

As for neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran, they are thought to be planning to change their positions, fearing that Moscow, and possibly Beijing afterwards, will become a unique player on the Afghan stage. It is expected that Central Asian countries will follow Russia's policy towards the Afghan government in the near future.

But this largely depends on whether the Afghan government can gain the trust of its neighbors, ensure its internal and external security, and handle foreign relations wisely and cautiously to avoid this recognition becoming a new stage for conflict.

The activities of the "Taliban" movement have been banned by the Russian Supreme Court on February 14, 2003. However, according to the Russian Supreme Court's ruling on April 17, 2025, this ban has been suspended.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7530500401381016103/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking on the 【up/down】 buttons below.