DefenseExperts predict limited impact as pact centers on maintenance, not air defenseTaliban fighters man an antiaircraft gun on the Afghan side of the Ghulam Khan boarder crossing in Khost province, Afghanistan, on Feb. 27. © APADNAN AAMIRJune 4, 2026 11:08 JSTISLAMABAD -- Afghan's Taliban rulers have deepened their security engagement with Russia through a military cooperation deal agreed against the backdrop of strained relations and sporadic armed conflict with neighboring Pakistan.