Russia created history on Thursday by becoming the first country that formally recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan. At a meeting in Kabul, Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov handed over official recognition documents to Foreign Minister Taliban Amir Khan Muttaqi, who, according to the AFP report, described it as a “bold step” that gives an example for other nations.
The Taliban flag was brought up over the Afghan Ambassador in Moscow and replaced the banner of the former government and consolidated a new relationship. This ends almost four years of global insulation for Taliban, which seized forces in 2021, when US troops withdrew after 20 years of war.
Why did Russia take the lead
The Russian decision follows years of careful steps towards the Taliban. In April 2025, Moscow removed the group from its list of terrorist terrorist terrorist and President Vladimir Putin previously called them “allies against terrorism”, especially against ISIS-K, which in 2024 attacked the Moscow concert hall.
Russia also sees economic opportunities, planning energy and transport projects through Afghanistan to achieve Southeast Asia.
Despite their rocky history (Soviet troops fought in Afghan rebels at the age of 80), Russia now favors regional stability and business ties during past conflicts.
Global reactions and the next steps
While China, Pakistan and Sae have Taliban ambassadors, no other country has provided full recognition.
Western nations refuse to recognize the Taliban until they do not renew the rights of women, currently forbid girls from high school and limit the work and movement of women. The US is still freezing $ 7 billion in Afghan assets and imposing sanctions.
However, Germany signaled that Russia’s leadership could follow and seek to deport criminals to Afghanistan.
The US Foreign Ministry condemned the Russian step as a “dangerous legitimization”, remarks that the Taliban leaders remain in the UN sanctions.
Germany has indicated potential engagement to facilitate the deportation of Afghan criminals, but France and Britain first reaffirmed the requirements for the education of girls and the rights of women’s workplace.
The recent Taliban ban on female NGOs has complicated matters, although Muttaqi promises “gradual reforms”.
With Russian support, Taliban is now trying to meet the UN General Assembly, albeit western veto.
Taliban now hopes that Russian pressure on multiple nations pressure will be involved, although concerns for human rights remain the main obstacle.
(Tagstotranslate) Taliban recognition
