Russia will assist the Taliban in combating the Islamic State's Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), a group designated as a terrorist organization by both Moscow and Kabul. The announcement was made by Zamir Kabulov, Russian President Vladimir Putin's special representative for Afghanistan, according to RIA Novosti.
“We are closely monitoring and positively evaluating the Taliban's efforts to eliminate the Khorasan Province group, which promotes the ultra-radical ideology of global jihad,” Kabulov said. “This group is a shared enemy of Russia and Afghanistan. Accordingly, we will provide all possible support to the Afghan authorities through appropriate channels.”
The move comes after Russia’s Supreme Court decided on April 17 to suspend the longstanding ban on the Taliban’s activities in the country. Kabulov emphasized that this legal decision clears the path for deeper cooperation between Moscow and the Taliban-led government in Kabul.
Further steps toward strengthening bilateral relations are expected during the upcoming visit of Afghanistan’s ambassador to Moscow.
Taliban officials, in turn, have expressed optimism about growing diplomatic and economic engagement with Russia. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid described the lifting of the ban as a “significant step” toward normalization of ties.
The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after ousting the U.S.-backed government led by President Ashraf Ghani. Since then, the group has sought international recognition and cooperation, particularly in addressing persistent threats posed by ISIS-K, which has claimed responsibility for a series of deadly attacks across the region.
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