Kremlin’s move signals shift in international diplomacy, as Taliban praises ‘courageous’ decision
Russia Formalizes Recognition of Taliban Rule
In a significant foreign policy move, Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, nearly four years after the group seized power in August 2021.
The announcement came after a meeting in Kabul on Thursday between Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov, who officially conveyed the Kremlin’s recognition of the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”
“This marks a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement,” said Muttaqi, adding that the recognition would serve as an “example” for other countries.
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What Russia’s Recognition Means
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the move would enhance bilateral cooperation in sectors including:
- Energy and infrastructure development
- Agriculture and transportation
- Joint efforts against terrorism and drug trafficking
This decision follows Russia’s earlier steps to legitimize ties with the Taliban, including:
- Keeping its Kabul embassy open in 2021
- Signing a deal in 2022 to supply oil, gas, and wheat
- Removing the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations in April 2025
“Official recognition will give impetus to productive bilateral cooperation,” the Russian statement read.
Russia becomes first state to recognise Afghanistan’s Taliban government
Taliban Rule: Global Condemnation Continues
Despite Russia’s recognition, most Western governments and humanitarian agencies continue to condemn Taliban policies, especially those targeting women and girls.
Since 2021, Taliban decrees have:
- Banned women from secondary and higher education
- Restricted women from traveling without a male guardian
- Imposed strict Sharia-based dress codes and “virtue” laws
- Enforced public floggings and detentions
The United Nations has labeled these policies “gender apartheid,” and roughly $9 billion in Afghan assets remain frozen under UN Security Council sanctions.
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A Complex History and a New Era
This new recognition comes decades after Russia, then the Soviet Union, invaded Afghanistan in 1979, triggering a brutal nine-year war. Though the USSR withdrew in 1989, the scars of the conflict linger.
Now, with Russian President Vladimir Putin calling the Taliban an “ally” against terrorism, Moscow is recalibrating its strategy in the region.
While countries like China, Pakistan, and the UAE have sent envoys to Kabul, Russia is the first nation to formally recognize the Taliban regime, opening the door to broader diplomatic and economic engagement.
