Taliban and North Korea rubbed shoulders at Russia’s war games—one fuels Moscow’s war, the other needs its help

At Russia's Center-2026 strategic exercises, representatives from Afghanistan's Taliban-controlled government met with North Korean officials. However, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has officially confirmed the encounter, nor has Kabul disclosed any details or agreements reached during the talks. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the country has built a network of sanctioned governments that both benefit from the conflict and receive support in return. Each new partnership leaves an isolated state with a vested interest in the war continuing.

The exercises, held from September 28 to October 3 in Russia's Chelyabinsk Oblast, marked the Taliban's first attendance as observers since their 2021 takeover. Among the delegation were officials from the Abdullah bin Masoud Joint Combat Training Command, led by Mawlawi Nasibullah Madani. The Taliban contingent held discussions with North Korea's military attaché and other representatives from China, India, Vietnam, and other nations regarding bilateral ties and military cooperation.

The Taliban delegation also toured an exhibition showcasing heavy weapons, drones, long-range missiles, and robotic systems. On May 27, 2026, Russia and the Taliban signed a military-technical cooperation agreement. Russian special envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, stated that the deal serves as a practical framework aimed at repairing Soviet- and Russian-made equipment currently held by the Taliban. Russia is the sole country to formally recognize the Taliban government, a move made in July 2025.

North Korea and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June 2024, which includes a mutual defense clause. Since then, Pyongyang has reportedly deployed around 14,000 troops to Russia's Kursk Oblast. In April, Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War estimated North Korea's losses at 7,058, including 2,251 killed.