Image Credits - CNN
Trade between Russia and the Taliban insurgent group that regained control of Afghanistan in 2021 has skyrocketed to over $1 billion, according to claims by the terrorist organization cited in Kremlin-backed media outlets.
This 500% increase from the estimated $170 million in bilateral trade just two years ago in 2022 would represent a lucrative financial lifeline allowing the Taliban to solidify its militant rule and brutal regime in the war-torn nation.
The Taliban’s reported representative did not specify the nature of the burgeoning Russia-Taliban trade, though Afghanistan’s wealth of rare earth minerals and Russia’s need to find new import/export markets amid Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine are likely key factors.
The United Nations has long raised alarms about groups like the Taliban profiting from Afghanistan’s illegal mining and mineral smuggling operations to fund their militant activities and repressive policies, including grave violations against women and girls.
U.S. officials have also accused Russia of providing modest military assistance to the Taliban as a hedge against resistance groups amid the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021, though the extent of any ongoing cooperation remains unclear.
The revelation of this shocking trade increase coincides with Russia further embracing other pariah states amid its deepening international isolation over the Ukraine war. In April, Russia hosted Hamas leaders as part of efforts to bolster ties with Palestinian militants opposed to Israel despite designating Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Walters warned that any significant Russian economic bolstering of the Taliban could make them harder to dislodge from power and exacerbate the disastrous humanitarian crisis they’ve created through their brutal subjugation of the Afghan people.
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reported surge in Russia-Taliban trade.
As the Taliban consolidates its oppressive regime behind closed doors and atrocities mount, the spectre of cash infusions from U.S. adversaries like Russia funding the militant government in Kabul could have severe destabilizing consequences for the entire region.