Russia has become the first country in the world to officially recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan. On Thursday (July 3), the Russian diplomatic authorities accepted the credentials of the Afghan ambassador to Moscow, which is practically a seal of recognition of the Taliban administration.
A statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry said, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will strengthen cooperation with the government of Afghanistan in all bilateral areas, including counter-terrorism operations, drug control and security. There is also great potential in the energy, agriculture and infrastructure sectors.”
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki called Moscow’s move “bold and groundbreaking.” He hopes that Russia’s example will encourage other countries to recognize the Taliban government.
Historical ups and downs
Although the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989) was a bloody chapter in Russia-Kabul relations, Moscow removed the Taliban from its terrorist list in April 2025. Since then, Afghanistan has been importing gas, oil and wheat from Russia. Security cooperation between the two countries has become closer in the face of the growing threat of IS-Khorasan.
International reaction
The United States has imposed sanctions on the Taliban’s top leadership and frozen the Afghan central bank’s funds. The human rights issue of women’s education and movement has been the biggest obstacle to Taliban recognition so far. World diplomacy is watching to see whether Russia’s move will reduce this gap or create new polarization.
Source: Reuters