Russia has change into the primary nation to formally recognise the Taliban authorities, marking a serious diplomatic shift and ending the group’s international isolation since 2021. The transfer might affect different nations to rethink their stance regardless of ongoing human rights considerations.
In a historic diplomatic shift, Russia has change into the primary nation to formally recognise the Taliban authorities because it seized management of Afghanistan in August 2021. The announcement indicators a big change in Moscow’s international coverage and should pave the best way for additional worldwide engagement with the Taliban regime.
Russia receives Taliban envoy, indicators formal recognition
The Russian Overseas Ministry introduced on Thursday that it had formally accepted the credentials of Gul Hassan Hassan, the newly appointed Afghan ambassador to Moscow. The acceptance of diplomatic credentials marks the primary official recognition of the Taliban-led authorities by any nation because the group’s return to energy.
“This step opens the door to productive bilateral cooperation,” the Russian Overseas Ministry mentioned in a press release.
Afghanistan calls it a ‘historic step’
Afghanistan’s Overseas Ministry responded by calling Russia’s recognition a “historic step,” with Taliban Overseas Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi describing it as “an excellent instance for different nations.” The Taliban management has lengthy sought formal recognition on the worldwide stage however has confronted stiff resistance as a result of human rights considerations, particularly across the remedy of ladies and ladies.
Taliban rule and worldwide isolation
The Taliban returned to energy in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Whereas the group initially pledged a extra reasonable method in comparison with its earlier rule from 1996 to 2001, it quickly started imposing strict Islamic legal guidelines. Ladies and ladies have borne the brunt of those insurance policies, with bans on feminine training past the sixth grade and restrictions on employment, public gatherings, and entry to leisure areas.
Regardless of these challenges, the Taliban has maintained diplomatic engagement with a number of nations, together with China, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Nevertheless, none had prolonged formal recognition till Russia’s current transfer.
Russia lifts ban, strikes towards full engagement
Russia had beforehand categorized the Taliban as a terrorist group, however in April 2025, it lifted that designation in a step towards normalizing relations. The formal recognition now follows that coverage shift.
Russia’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, confirmed that the choice was made by President Vladimir Putin based mostly on the advice of Overseas Minister Sergey Lavrov. In a televised interview, Zhirnov said, “This proves Russia’s honest striving for the event of full-fledged relations with Afghanistan.”
Strategic pursuits behind the transfer
Russia has lately emphasised the significance of stability in Afghanistan, particularly given regional safety considerations and the potential risk of extremism spilling over into neighbouring Central Asian states. By participating straight with the Taliban, Moscow seems to be positioning itself as a key participant in shaping Afghanistan’s future.
As of now, there was no instant response from Western nations or regional powers on Russia’s recognition of the Taliban authorities. The transfer is prone to spark debate inside worldwide diplomatic circles, significantly amongst nations which have avoided formal ties as a result of human rights considerations.
Whether or not Russia’s motion will encourage others to comply with swimsuit stays unsure. Nevertheless, it does mark a turning level in Afghanistan’s diplomatic isolation and should set off a broader reassessment of engagement methods with the Taliban.
(AP inputs)