Breaking with the broader international stance, Russia has become the first nation to formally recognise the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan, by accepting the credentials of the new Afghan ambassador in Moscow.
The move, confirmed by Russia’s foreign ministry, marks a significant diplomatic shift and could open the door for broader regional engagement with the de facto rulers in Kabul, who took power following the abrupt withdrawal of United States forces in 2021.
“We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields,” read a statement issued by the Russian foreign office.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in a video statement shared following his meeting with Russian envoy Dmitry Zhirnovy , described Moscow’s recognition as a “brave decision” and urged other countries to follow suit. “Now that the process of recognition has started, Russia was ahead of everyone,” he declared.
Russia's recognition cements its position as a key power broker in post-war Afghanistan, alongside China and Pakistan, who were among the first to establish working ties with the Taliban regime, albeit without official recognition.
The decision also aligns with Moscow’s broader geopolitical interests. Isolated from the West due to its protracted war in Ukraine, Russia has increasingly turned to ideologically aligned and economically promising partners in Asia and the Middle East.
In April this year, Russia’s Supreme Court lifted the “terrorist” designation for the Taliban, removing a critical legal barrier to engagement. Since then, Moscow has intensified its diplomatic and economic outreach to Kabul. Taliban representatives attended Russia’s flagship economic forum in Saint Petersburg in both 2022 and 2024, and last October, the group’s senior diplomat met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.
Also read: Russia rains missiles on Kyiv hours after Putin-Trump phone call
Lavrov has consistently pushed for a “pragmatic, not ideologised policy” toward the Taliban, telling Russian lawmakers, “The new authorities in Kabul are a reality.”
Moscow’s acceptance of the Taliban stands in contrast to the official position of the United Nations, which continues to refer to the regime as the “de facto authorities,” citing the absence of democratic legitimacy and ongoing human rights concerns, particularly with regard to women’s rights and minority protections.
Nonetheless, Russia’s recognition marks a turning point in the diplomatic isolation faced by the Taliban since it assumed power nearly four years ago. While other countries have opened back channels, provided humanitarian aid, or hosted Taliban representatives, none have offered formal recognition—until now.
For Moscow, the calculus appears twofold: the Taliban’s anti-American stance aligns with Russia’s growing confrontation with the West, and Afghanistan’s strategic location offers potential leverage in regional trade and security frameworks.
Russia’s gamble, however, comes with risks. Critics argue it could further undermine international efforts to press the Taliban on human rights, particularly as no significant political reforms have taken place in Kabul since 2021.
Yet for the Kremlin, the benefits may outweigh the diplomatic cost. As the West’s influence wanes in the region, Moscow has placed its bet on Afghanistan’s current rulers, and in doing so, changed the shape of post-war diplomacy in Central Asia.
Follow us
