In a significant diplomatic move, Russia has become the first nation to formally recognise the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, nearly four years after the group seized power. The decision marks a turning point in the international community’s posture toward the Taliban and signals Moscow’s growing ambitions in Central and South Asia.
The recognition was conveyed by Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov to Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during a meeting in Kabul. According to Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry, Zhirnov communicated the Kremlin’s decision, while Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated it would provide “impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation” in trade, energy, and infrastructure.
Why is Russia’s recognition a major victory for the Taliban?
The Russian endorsement represents the first full diplomatic recognition of the Taliban since the group took over Kabul in August 2021. Isolated internationally due to its harsh restrictions on women and human rights, the Taliban had previously struggled to gain legitimacy. Despite attempts at rapprochement, most Western and Islamic countries had withheld recognition, keeping diplomatic ties minimal and contingent on human rights improvements.
The Russian move comes as other nations have cautiously reengaged with the Taliban short of recognition. China has made infrastructure overtures, India has resumed granting visas, and Germany and others have undertaken quiet diplomatic contacts. In this context, Moscow’s step is seen as a major leap.
What is driving Russia’s recognition of the Taliban?
The recognition is the culmination of steadily warming ties between Moscow and Kabul. In April, Russia removed the Taliban from its official list of terrorist organisations, a crucial legal move that paved the way for further cooperation. A shared enemy has helped drive the alignment—namely the Islamic State affiliate ISIS-K, which carried out a devastating concert hall attack near Moscow in March 2024 and has previously targeted the Russian Embassy in Kabul.
Security cooperation aside, Russia is also eyeing Afghanistan’s mineral wealth and its geographic value for trade connectivity. The Russian Foreign Ministry said future collaboration would include sectors such as energy, agriculture, and transport. Moscow sees Afghanistan as a gateway linking Central and South Asia and a key node in extending its regional influence after the US withdrawal in 2021.
This marks a shift from Russia’s historical involvement in Afghanistan. The Soviet Union had fought a decade-long war in the country beginning in 1979, facing off against US-backed mujahedeen fighters and losing nearly 15,000 troops. Today, the Kremlin is wielding diplomacy, not military force, to assert itself in the region.
How has the international community reacted?
Russia’s recognition is unique so far, but not entirely isolated. China has pledged to extend Belt and Road Initiative projects into Afghanistan. The UAE and Iran have become top trading partners, and Germany is exploring arrangements with the Taliban to deport Afghan nationals residing illegally in its territory. These developments, while not formal recognitions, point to a pragmatic shift in how states are dealing with the Taliban-controlled government.
Still, opposition remains strong, particularly from the United States. Washington has consistently opposed recognition, citing ongoing repression of women, including bans on girls’ education past sixth grade and restrictions on women’s employment. US officials have also refused to release Afghanistan’s central bank funds without firm human rights commitments.
Meanwhile, the Taliban is banking on Russia’s move to open the floodgates. Foreign Minister Muttaqi welcomed the recognition as “an opportunity for other countries to follow.” However, despite this milestone, Kabul remains diplomatically isolated by most of the world, and foreign aid continues to come with strict oversight.