By kalu blessing miracle
Russia Becomes First Nation to Recognise Taliban Government
Russia has formally recognised the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to grant official status to the regime since it returned to power in 2021.
The announcement was made after a meeting on Thursday in Kabul between Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov. Afghan officials described the move as a “brave decision” that marks the beginning of a new chapter in international recognition for the Taliban.
“This step will serve as an example for other nations,” Muttaqi said, adding that Russia had taken the lead in acknowledging the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan the Taliban’s official name for its government.
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Moscow confirmed the development, stating that recognition would open the door to stronger ties in areas such as trade, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Russia also expressed its commitment to working with Kabul to boost regional security and tackle terrorism and drug trafficking.
Russia had previously signaled a shift in its approach, removing the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations in April and welcoming a Taliban-appointed ambassador in Kabul. President Vladimir Putin had earlier described the Taliban as allies in counterterrorism efforts.
The move drew sharp criticism from Afghan women’s rights activists and former lawmakers, who condemned it as a betrayal of human rights. Critics argue that legitimising the Taliban strengthens a regime that continues to ban girls from education, restricts women from public life, and shelters individuals under international sanctions.
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Though countries like China and Pakistan have accepted Taliban diplomats, they have not granted full diplomatic recognition. Russia’s decision now sets a precedent, even as concerns remain over the regime’s domestic policies and its international standing.
Afghanistan remains under heavy scrutiny from global powers due to its restrictions on women and its unresolved humanitarian and security challenges. Despite this, Moscow’s recognition signals a growing trend of regional engagement with the Taliban government.
