Russia has officially recognized the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, nearly four years after its return to power.
The move signals a new chapter in Taliban’s push for global legitimacy.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration has announced that Russia has formally recognized its rule, marking a significant diplomatic milestone nearly four years after it returned to power. Officials in Kabul described the move as a “brave decision,” and expressed hope that it would encourage other nations to follow suit.
The announcement was made on Thursday following a high-level meeting between Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in the Afghan capital. During the meeting, Muttaqi praised Moscow for taking the lead in extending official recognition, calling it a pivotal moment for Afghanistan’s foreign relations.
“This is a new era of constructive engagement and mutual respect,” Muttaqi said, adding that Russia’s recognition would open doors to deeper cooperation in various fields.
A spokesperson for the Taliban’s foreign ministry confirmed that Russia is now the first nation to formally acknowledge the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” the official name used by the Taliban government.
Russia’s foreign ministry later echoed this sentiment, stating that the recognition would strengthen bilateral ties and promote collaboration in areas such as energy, trade, agriculture, infrastructure, and transportation. The ministry also reaffirmed Moscow’s intention to assist Kabul in regional security and counterterrorism efforts, including the fight against drug trafficking.
In recent months, Moscow has been warming up to the Taliban authorities. It removed the group from its list of terrorist organizations earlier this year and accepted a Taliban-nominated ambassador in Kabul. Russia has also expressed plans to use Afghanistan as a strategic transit route for gas deliveries to Southeast Asia and was the first to establish a business office in the country after the 2021 Taliban takeover.
While Russia’s formal recognition marks a significant step for the Taliban’s quest for international legitimacy, many countries remain cautious. Although nations like China and Pakistan have accepted Taliban envoys, they have not extended full diplomatic recognition.
China welcomed Russia’s move, saying Afghanistan should not be isolated from the global community. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry reaffirmed the country’s long-standing relationship with Afghanistan and called for increased international engagement.
However, the development has sparked criticism from human rights advocates, particularly Afghan women’s rights activists who argue that the move overlooks widespread repression under Taliban rule. Since regaining control, the Taliban has imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls, barring them from secondary and university education, banning them from many jobs, and enforcing strict public behavior codes.
Former Afghan parliamentarian Mariam Solaimankhil condemned Russia’s recognition, saying it legitimizes a regime that suppresses women and harbors UN-sanctioned militants. Another ex-MP, Fawzia Koofi, warned that granting recognition without demanding accountability could embolden impunity and pose risks to international peace and security.
The Taliban’s top leadership remains under various international sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes imposed by the United Nations and other global bodies.
While the Taliban views Russia’s decision as a breakthrough, it remains to be seen how the rest of the world will respond, especially as human rights concerns continue to cast a shadow over the group’s efforts to gain full international acceptance.
