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Russia has become the first nation to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, a move that has sparked fierce criticism from opposition figures. The decision, announced on Thursday, marks a significant milestone for the Taliban, nearly four years after they seized control of Kabul in 2021.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, hailed the recognition as a “courageous” step, expressing hope that it would encourage other nations to follow suit. He described it as the start of “a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement” with Moscow. Russia’s foreign ministry highlighted opportunities for “commercial and economic” cooperation in sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure, while pledging continued support for Kabul in combating terrorism and drug trafficking. However, the move has drawn sharp condemnation. Fawzia Koofi, a former Afghan politician, warned that normalising relations with the Taliban “will not bring peace” but instead “legitimise impunity,” posing risks to both Afghan and global security. The Afghan Women’s Political Participation Network called the decision a legitimisation of an “authoritarian, anti-women” regime that is “actively dismantling basic civil rights.” The group also referenced Russia’s historical role in Afghanistan, noting the Soviet Union’s 1979 invasion and subsequent nine-year war, which killed 15,000 Soviet personnel and left a lasting impact on the country. Since the Taliban’s return to power, their strict interpretation of Sharia law has led to severe restrictions, particularly on women and girls. Girls over 12 have been barred from education, women have been excluded from many professions, and rules limit how far women can travel without a male chaperone. Public decrees have also restricted women from raising their voices. The United Nations has described these measures as “gender apartheid” and reported ongoing human rights violations, including public floggings and attacks on former government officials. Russia’s ties with the Taliban have deepened in recent years. It was one of the few countries to maintain its embassy in Kabul after 2021 and signed an economic deal in 2022 to supply oil, gas, and wheat to Afghanistan. In April 2025, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations, and President Vladimir Putin referred to the group as an “ally” in counter-terrorism efforts last year. Diplomatic engagement began as early as 2018, with Taliban representatives visiting Moscow for talks. Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta, a former Afghan national security adviser, called Russia’s decision “regrettable,” warning that it could prompt other nations to follow suit in the absence of strong opposition. Strict UN sanctions, including the freezing of $9 billion in Afghan assets, remain in place since 2021. While most countries closed their embassies in Kabul, nations like China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan maintain ambassadors there. In a related development, Germany’s interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, expressed interest in resuming deportations of convicted Afghan criminals to Afghanistan, a policy halted after the Taliban’s takeover. However, a UN Human Rights Office spokeswoman stated on Friday that such deportations are “not appropriate” due to ongoing human rights concerns. The recognition by Russia underscores the complex and evolving relationship between the Taliban and the international community, raising questions about the future of Afghanistan’s global standing.
