Russia, Afghanistan form military pact

Russia formed a new military pact with Afghanistan, the Kremlin and the Taliban announced Wednesday. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu called on Western nations to reduce sanctions on Afghanistan and to “fully acknowledge their full responsibility for their 20-year presence in Afghanistan.” In 2025, Russia became the first and, so far, only country to recognize the Taliban regime as Afghanistan’s legitimate government. The relationship could involve the Taliban sending Russia abandoned American military equipment. This is another demonstration that Russia and China “are the main victors of America’s chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal.”