# Can Russia mediate to ease Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions?

Al Jazeera examines whether Moscow could step in as a mediator between Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose relations have deteriorated sharply amid border clashes and cross-border militant attacks. Russia's renewed diplomatic outreach to the Taliban-led government and its historical ties to both sides give it potential leverage, though analysts remain divided on how much influence it can realistically bring to bear.

**Importance:** 2/5

## Sources

### World
- [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/16/can-russia-help-ease-tensions-between-pakistan-and-afghanistan?traffic_source=rss) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:56:43 +0000