In a landmark shift in global diplomacy, Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, marking a significant development in international relations and potentially altering the geopolitical balance in South and Central Asia. This announcement, made on July 4, 2025, ends nearly four years of international isolation for the Taliban since it took over Kabul in August 2021.

The recognition came after Russia's Foreign Ministry formally accepted the credentials of Gul Hassan Hassan, the Taliban’s newly appointed ambassador to Moscow. This step not only cements diplomatic ties between Russia and the Taliban regime but also raises critical questions on future international engagement, particularly regarding human rights, regional security, and global recognition norms.

Russia breaks the diplomatic ice

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed its official recognition of the Taliban government by announcing the acceptance of credentials from the Afghan envoy, which in diplomatic terms signifies formal recognition of the governing authority of a nation. In its statement, the Ministry declared:

“This step opens the door to productive bilateral cooperation.”

This official endorsement by Moscow is the first of its kind since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements with nations like China, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, who had not gone as far as formal recognition.

Taliban calls it a ‘historic step’

The announcement was met with jubilation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry praised the move as a “historic step”. Amir Khan Muttaqi, Taliban’s Acting Foreign Minister, called it:

“A good example for other countries.”

Since assuming power, the Taliban leadership has repeatedly sought formal international legitimacy. However, concerns over human rights violations, particularly those affecting women and girls, had deterred most countries from granting official recognition.

Human rights concerns remain

The Taliban came to power in August 2021 after the withdrawal of US and NATO troops, promising a moderate form of Islamic governance. However, its rule has been marked by a return to strict interpretations of Islamic law, including:

• Bans on female education beyond the sixth grade.

• Restrictions on women’s employment and public presence.

• Limitations on public gatherings and recreational activities for women and girls.

These policies have sparked global condemnation, led to suspended foreign aid, and resulted in economic isolation. Humanitarian organisations and women’s rights groups have continuously lobbied international institutions not to legitimise the Taliban unless human rights norms were met.

Despite that, Russia’s recognition of the Taliban might be seen as realpolitik—a calculated move in the pursuit of regional stability and strategic interests.

Russia lifts terrorist designation

Prior to the recognition, in April 2025, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organisations. That change set the stage for the normalisation of diplomatic relations and has now culminated in the official endorsement of the Taliban’s governance.

Russia’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, confirmed that the decision was endorsed by President Vladimir Putin based on the recommendation of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. In a televised statement, Zhirnov noted:

“This proves Russia’s sincere striving for the development of full-fledged relations with Afghanistan.”

This move reflects Moscow’s long-term foreign policy shift, aiming to consolidate its influence in Central Asia while countering Western dominance in regional diplomacy.

Why now?

The decision to recognise the Taliban is driven by multiple strategic interests:

• Regional Stability: Russia is concerned about Islamist insurgencies and terror threats spilling over into Central Asian republics such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

• Countering Extremism: Direct engagement allows Moscow to monitor and influence Taliban policies, especially towards extremist groups like ISIS-K.

• Resource Access: Afghanistan holds vast untapped mineral reserves, which could be leveraged through new bilateral trade agreements.

• Geopolitical Signalling: As Western nations, particularly the US and EU, continue to isolate the Taliban, Russia’s recognition underlines its independent and counter-Western foreign policy.

Global reactions awaited

As of now, no major global power has officially responded to Russia’s move. However, experts believe this will stir diplomatic debates, especially among countries maintaining unofficial ties with the Taliban through embassies and humanitarian channels.

Some possibilities include:

• China, which has economic and strategic interests in Afghanistan, may now accelerate formal engagement.

• Iran and Pakistan, with existing ties, could reframe their diplomacy.

• Western nations, particularly those prioritising human rights, may resist following Russia’s lead.

A new chapter for Afghanistan?

For Afghanistan, Russia’s recognition represents a potential breakthrough in its quest for international legitimacy. Since 2021, the Taliban’s government has struggled with:

• Frozen foreign assets, especially in US and European banks.

• Economic sanctions.

• Humanitarian crises and aid dependency.

• Lack of formal engagement with global financial institutions.

Formal recognition by a permanent member of the UN Security Council opens new possibilities, such as:

• Trade and investment treaties.

• Infrastructure and energy collaborations.

• International loans and grants, albeit with stricter scrutiny.

However, it remains uncertain whether this single recognition will trigger a domino effect or remain an isolated instance of geopolitical alignment.

Conclusion

The formal recognition of the Taliban government by Russia marks a historic milestone in post-2021 Afghan diplomacy. It ends nearly four years of political seclusion for the Taliban and signals a major realignment of international relations in the region.

While strategic and regional stability considerations are at the heart of Russia’s move, the development will undoubtedly complicate international responses to the Taliban regime—especially amidst persistent human rights concerns. Whether this leads to wider global engagement or prompts further diplomatic rifts remains to be seen.

What is certain, however, is that Afghanistan’s global isolation has been broken, and Russia has positioned itself as a key actor in determining the country’s future. The coming months will reveal how the world reacts to this bold diplomatic shift—and whether others follow suit or continue to hold the Taliban at arm’s length.

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