Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a striking move amid Moscow’s growing ties with the Taliban-led government in Kabul, Russian tour operators have begun offering organized travel packages to Afghanistan, with weeklong tours priced around $3,000 (235,000 rubles). These trips, advertised on Russian online platforms and set to start as early as mid-July, come shortly after Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover.
The packages reflect Moscow’s expanding cooperation with the Taliban across sectors including energy, agriculture, transport, and infrastructure. Russian officials have even discussed launching direct commercial flights between the two countries, signaling deeper normalization.
However, the Taliban regime remains internationally condemned for severe human rights abuses, including harsh restrictions on women, public executions, and school closures for girls. Despite ongoing Western warnings against travel due to security risks and infrastructure failures, Russian authorities have yet to address tour safety or offer official support to travelers venturing into Afghanistan.
