In a historic move, Russia has officially recognized the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, becoming the first nation in the world to do so since the group's return to power in 2021. The announcement was made on July 3 by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by state news agency TASS.
For the first time since the Taliban seized control of Kabul in August 2021, the flag of the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" was raised over the Afghan Embassy in Moscow, symbolizing official diplomatic recognition.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow has accepted the credentials of Afghanistan’s new ambassador, appointed by the Taliban regime. The Russian side expressed hope for the development of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Decision approved by Putin
TASS reports that President Vladimir Putin personally approved the recognition of the Taliban government, following a recommendation by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
This diplomatic shift comes after Russia's Supreme Court suspended the ban on the Taliban’s activities in April 2025. The group had been classified as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia since 2003.
In December 2024, President Putin signed a law allowing for the removal of organizations from Russia's list of banned groups—marking the first time such a legal mechanism has existed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice jointly petitioned to delist the Taliban in May 2024.
Background
The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. While the group remains under international sanctions and is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, its representatives have frequently visited Moscow for talks.
President Putin has previously referred to the Taliban as a partner in the fight against terrorism, signaling a gradual shift in Russia's approach to the group.
