Afghanistan-Russia Economic Push: Taliban FM Amir Khan Muttaqi met Russian officials in Moscow to turn “positive” political ties into practical cooperation on trade, transit, energy, mining, and better banking/payment links. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Kazakhstan’s special envoy to Afghanistan said trade and transport links are expanding under the Moscow Format, citing rising bilateral trade and continued humanitarian support. Security Cooperation Talks: Russia and Taliban representatives discussed security cooperation amid deepening ties, while Moscow Format talks again failed to produce a final statement after Kabul–Islamabad wording disputes. Humanitarian Support in the North: UN-linked funding via the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan says over 3 million people in five northern provinces benefited (including support for thousands of women-led businesses). Aid Funding Update: OCHA allocated $18m for humanitarian assistance as Afghanistan’s plan remains only about a third funded. Infrastructure Risk: Residents in Panjshir complain CASA-1000 road works are causing rockfall and unsafe travel, calling for promised protective nets. Afghan Business Snapshot: Kabul gold prices were reported by Pashtun Bank market, showing how global rates and currency moves drive local trading.