Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government of Afghanistan after accepting the credentials of a new Afghan ambassador, marking a significant geopolitical milestone for the administration in Kabul.
In a statement on Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced the move, stating it was confident in the potential for stronger bilateral ties. Moscow pledged to support Kabul in areas of security, counter-terrorism, and combating drug-related crime, while also identifying key economic opportunities in energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields,” the ministry said.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, welcomed the development. “We value this courageous step taken by Russia, and, God willing, it will serve as an example for others as well,” he stated.
Since seizing power in August 2021 following the U.S.-led withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban has struggled for international legitimacy. Although countries such as China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan have appointed ambassadors to Kabul, none had formally recognised the Taliban-led administration until now.
Russia’s recognition marks a dramatic turnaround in its stance toward the Taliban. The group was outlawed by Moscow as a terrorist organisation in 2003, but that designation was lifted in April 2025. The shift comes amid growing cooperation on regional security issues, particularly concerning the threat posed by the Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), which Russia suspects of orchestrating the deadly March 2024 concert hall attack near Moscow that left 149 dead.
President Vladimir Putin has described the Taliban as a partner in counterterrorism efforts, and since 2022, Afghanistan has been importing Russian oil, gas, and wheat, cementing economic ties.
The recognition, however, is likely to provoke scrutiny in the West. The U.S. has frozen billions in Afghan central bank assets and maintains sanctions against Taliban leaders, largely due to ongoing human rights concerns, especially the group’s policies restricting women’s rights and education.
Despite its complex history in Afghanistan, including the 1979 Soviet invasion and a decade-long war that cost 15,000 Soviet lives, Russia now sees strategic interest in fostering cooperation with Kabul as regional threats evolve.
The Kremlin’s move could pressure other nations to reassess their stance on the Taliban regime, potentially reshaping Afghanistan’s diplomatic future.
Written By Rodney Mbua
