In a move that has stirred both regional diplomacy and international outrage, Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group's return to power in August 2021.
The announcement came after a meeting between Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in Kabul on Thursday. The Taliban hailed Moscow’s decision as a “brave” step and a turning point for their global standing.
“This brave decision will be an example for others… Now that the process of recognition has started, Russia was ahead of everyone,” Muttaqi said in a video shared on X.
Taliban foreign ministry spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal confirmed the development to AFP, emphasizing that “Russia is the first country which has officially recognised the Islamic Emirate.”
Russia Looks to Deepen Ties and Economic Cooperation
Russia’s foreign ministry said on Telegram that the recognition aims to open doors for “productive bilateral cooperation” in several sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“We hope to continue helping Kabul reinforce regional security and fight against the threats of terrorism and drug-trafficking,” the statement added.
Moscow has already taken significant steps toward normalizing relations with the Taliban, including removing them from its list of terrorist organisations in April, accepting a Taliban ambassador, and establishing a business office in Kabul. In 2024, President Vladimir Putin even referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism.”
Russia has also outlined plans to use Afghanistan as a transit hub for gas exports to Southeast Asia, highlighting its growing strategic interest in Central Asia despite lingering Western sanctions.
Domestic and International Condemnation
While the Taliban celebrated the recognition as a diplomatic victory, women’s rights activists, former Afghan lawmakers, and human rights advocates condemned Russia’s move as a betrayal of justice and human dignity.
“This legitimizes a regime that bans girls from education, enforces public floggings, and shelters UN-sanctioned terrorists,” said Mariam Solaimankhil, a former member of Afghanistan’s parliament.
“The move signals that strategic interests will always outweigh human rights and international law.”
Another former MP, Fawzia Koofi, warned that recognizing the Taliban government would not bring peace, but instead “legitimize impunity” and “risk endangering not just the people of Afghanistan, but global security.”
Despite the recognition, senior Taliban leaders remain under international sanctions, including those imposed by the United Nations for their roles in past insurgent activities and alleged human rights abuses.
A Shift in Regional Power Dynamics
Only Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates recognized the Taliban during their first rule from 1996 to 2001. This time, countries like China, Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey have accepted Taliban-appointed envoys but have stopped short of granting full diplomatic recognition.
Russia’s decision may now encourage other countries to follow suit, especially those seeking geopolitical leverage or economic partnerships in the region. However, the absence of significant reforms, particularly regarding women’s rights and education, remains a major barrier to broader international acceptance.
As Afghanistan continues to grapple with humanitarian and economic crises, Thursday’s announcement may signal the beginning of a new phase in Taliban diplomacy, but at a steep cost to global human rights advocacy and the hopes of millions of Afghans—especially its women and girls.
