Russia has officially become the first country to recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group took power in 2021.
This decision followed Russia’s removal of the Taliban from its list of banned organisations. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it had accepted credentials from Gul Hassan Hassan, Afghanistan’s newly appointed ambassador.
According to the ministry, this formal recognition will support “productive bilateral cooperation.” Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry hailed the move as historic, with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi describing it as “a good example for other countries” and the beginning of a “new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement.”
The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces and has since sought international recognition, despite imposing strict Islamic laws. While no nation had officially recognised the Taliban until now, the group has maintained diplomatic dialogues with countries like China and the UAE.
Nonetheless, the Taliban’s global isolation has largely persisted due to its restrictions on women and girls, including bans on female education beyond sixth grade and limitations on women’s participation in public life.
A Russian court recently removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations, following new legal provisions allowing for such suspensions. In April, Russia lifted its ban on the group, and in July 2024, President Vladimir Putin referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism.”
Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, said President Putin made the decision based on the recommendation of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, highlighting Russia’s intent to develop comprehensive relations with the Afghan government.
