In a landmark move with far-reaching geopolitical implications, Russia has become the first country to officially recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
The announcement was delivered in Kabul on Thursday by Russia’s ambassador, Dmitry Zhirnov, during a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Describing the decision as “courageous,” Muttaqi hailed it as the beginning of a “new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement” between the two nations. He further expressed hope that Moscow’s stance would serve as “an example” to other countries that have so far refrained from formal engagement with the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Russia’s foreign ministry echoed the sentiment, saying it believed official recognition would accelerate “productive bilateral cooperation,” particularly in the areas of energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure. It also reaffirmed its commitment to support Kabul in tackling terrorism and drug trafficking—two long-standing concerns in the region.
Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban have struggled to gain international legitimacy. Despite sustained outreach, most of the global community has withheld formal recognition, citing serious concerns over human rights abuses and the regime’s strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Russia’s recognition marks a significant diplomatic shift, especially given the complex history between the two nations. The Soviet Union’s 1979 invasion of Afghanistan led to a nearly decade-long war that cost more than 15,000 Soviet lives and deeply strained Moscow’s international standing. Today’s move reflects not only a dramatic evolution in regional alliances but also a pragmatic turn in Russian foreign policy.
Moscow has maintained a cautious but consistent diplomatic presence in Kabul since the Taliban’s return, choosing not to close its embassy in 2021. It has hosted Taliban representatives for talks as early as 2018 and signed a key economic deal in 2022 to supply Afghanistan with oil, gas, and wheat.
In April 2025, Russia formally removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations—a clear step toward laying the groundwork for full diplomatic and economic partnership. President Vladimir Putin further underscored the shift by referring to the Taliban as an “ally” in the fight against terrorism last year.
While Russia deepens its engagement, most Western governments and human rights organisations remain fiercely critical of the Taliban’s domestic policies, particularly their treatment of women and girls. In the past four years, Afghan women have been banned from secondary and higher education, prohibited from leaving their homes without male escorts, and subjected to draconian dress codes and “virtue” laws, including restrictions on speaking in public.
The United Nations has repeatedly condemned these measures as constituting “gender apartheid.” Reports of public floggings, extrajudicial killings, and violent reprisals against former government officials continue to emerge. In response, the international community has imposed heavy sanctions, including the freezing of nearly $9 billion in Afghan assets by the UN Security Council.
Despite appointing ambassadors to Kabul, countries like China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan have stopped short of formally recognising the Taliban regime. Russia now stands alone in offering full diplomatic legitimacy—a move that may have ripple effects across Central Asia and beyond.
As Afghanistan remains diplomatically isolated and economically fragile, Russia’s recognition offers a potential lifeline to the Taliban government, while also positioning Moscow as a key power broker in the region. Whether this decision paves the way for further international engagement—or deepens the divide between East and West—remains to be seen.
Melissa Enoch
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