Moscow Officially Backs Taliban Government, a Global First

Moscow Officially Backs Taliban Government, a Global First

Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan on July 3, 2025. The Russian Foreign Ministry accepted credentials from Gul Hassan Hassan, the Taliban’s new ambassador to Moscow.

This move marks a historic shift in global diplomacy. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi called it a “major milestone” for bilateral ties. Russia’s decision follows its April 2025 move to remove the Taliban from its list of banned organizations.

The Taliban flag now flies at Afghanistan’s embassy in Moscow, symbolizing formal recognition. This step could encourage other nations to engage with the Taliban, despite international concerns over human rights.

Taliban’s Establishment

The Taliban, an Islamist militant group, first ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. They enforced strict Islamic law, limiting women’s rights and public freedoms. A U.S.-led invasion ousted them in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks. The group fought a 20-year insurgency against NATO forces and the U.S.-backed Afghan government.

In August 2021, the Taliban regained power after U.S. forces withdrew. They faced no major resistance as the Afghan government collapsed. The Taliban declared the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, imposing restrictive policies, especially on women and girls. Their rule remains controversial due to human rights abuses and governance challenges.

Russia’s Recognition of the Taliban

 Russia’s recognition is driven by pragmatic interests. Moscow sees Afghanistan as a key player in Central Asian security. President Vladimir Putin has called the Taliban an ally against terrorism. Russia aims to counter Western influence and boost trade in energy, transport, and agriculture.

The Kremlin kept its Kabul embassy open since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover. In April 2025, Russia lifted its ban on the Taliban, paving the way for formal ties. Russian officials, including envoy Zamir Kabulov, emphasized cooperation for regional stability. This move may strain relations with Western nations, who criticize the Taliban’s policies.

Taliban’s Diplomatic Engagement

The Taliban have not been entirely isolated diplomatically. While no country recognized them before Russia, several nations engaged with their regime. China, Pakistan, Iran, and the UAE accepted Taliban-appointed diplomats.

These countries held high-level talks but stopped short of formal recognition. The Taliban sought global legitimacy, hosting delegations and attending international forums.

However, Western nations, including the U.S., condition recognition on human rights improvements, especially for women. The Taliban’s restrictions on girls’ education and women’s freedoms remain major obstacles. Russia’s recognition may shift dynamics, encouraging others to deepen ties despite ongoing sanctions.

Russia’s bold step reflects a mix of strategic and economic motives. It aims to strengthen its influence in Central Asia amid tensions with the West. The Taliban, eager for legitimacy, see this as a diplomatic victory. Yet, global concerns persist over Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis and the Taliban’s governance. Critics, like former Afghan MP Fawzia Koofi, warn that recognition may legitimize impunity and threaten global security.

The international community now watches closely to see if other nations follow Russia’s lead. This development shows a challenging  geopolitical shift. Russia’s move could reshape Afghanistan’s international relations.

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