Moscow (TDI): In a groundbreaking move, Russia has officially recognized the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group took power nearly three years ago.
Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, confirmed the decision to RIA Novosti, stating that Moscow has formally acknowledged the Taliban government. The announcement came after Russia accepted the credentials of Afghanistan’s newly appointed ambassador to Moscow.
In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry expressed hope that the recognition would open the door to enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors, calling it a step toward building “productive bilateral relations.”
No other country has formally recognized the Taliban government that seized power in August 2021 after the US withdrawal following 20 years of war.
Read More: Russia Drops Terror Tag on Taliban
However, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan and Pakistan have all designated ambassadors to Kabul, in a step towards recognition.
Washington and its allies are expected to closely monitor the situation, particularly as US sanctions and asset freezes continue to isolate Afghanistan’s financial system.
Billions of dollars in Afghan central bank reserves remain blocked, and several Taliban leaders are still under international sanctions.
Earlier this year, Russia’s Supreme Court lifted the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist organization, a decision widely interpreted as part of a gradual shift in Moscow’s Afghanistan policy.
Read More: Russia Calls for West to Lift Sanctions on Afghan Taliban
Recent cooperation between the two sides, particularly on regional security and countering threats from groups like Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), has strengthened ties.
Responding to the recognition, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, praised Moscow’s move as “bold” and suggested it could inspire others to follow suit.
“Russia has taken a courageous step. This is the beginning of a new chapter, and they are leading the way,” Muttaqi said during a meeting with Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
