Four years after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, Russia has become the first country to officially recognise their government.
On Thursday, Russia accepted credentials from Afghanistan’s new ambassador. The step breaks years of diplomatic isolation and sets up what could become a strategic partnership between Moscow and Kabul.
Russia’s Calculated Diplomatic Step Pays Off
Russia’s recognition comes after months of careful preparation.
In April, Russia's Supreme Court lifted the Taliban's "terrorist" designation. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared that "the new authorities in Kabul are a reality." His comments signalled Moscow's shift toward pragmatic engagement rather than ideological opposition.
The recognition gives impetus to bilateral cooperation, according to Russia’s Foreign Ministry. Moscow sees Afghanistan as both an economic partner and an ally in counterterrorism efforts.
Strategic Partnership in Counterterrorism Takes Root
Behind closed doors, Russia and the Taliban have already begun working together.
President Vladimir Putin called the Taliban "allies in the fight against terrorism" in July 2024. Their common enemy is the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), known as ISIS-K. The group has carried out deadly attacks in both Afghanistan and Russia.
In early 2024, ISKP militants killed at least 143 people in a Moscow attack. The Taliban has been fighting ISKP since returning to power. Their shared threat from radical extremists has brought Moscow and Kabul closer together.
Economic Opportunities Drive Russian Engagement Forward
Russia has ambitious plans for Afghanistan’s role in its energy strategy.
Moscow announced plans to use Afghanistan as a transit hub for gas heading to Southeast Asia.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Russia's "brave decision will be an example for others."
A Taliban delegation attended Russia’s flagship economic forum in Saint Petersburg in both 2022 and 2024. These meetings laid the groundwork for deeper trade ties. However, financial backing remains limited compared to previous Western assistance.
The West’s Frozen Assets Backfire
Western sanctions have isolated Afghanistan’s banking system from international finance. The United States has frozen billions in Afghanistan’s central bank assets. Senior Taliban leaders bear individual sanctions. The banking sector remains largely cut off from global financial systems.
Russia’s recognition offers the Taliban an option to Western financial networks. Moscow called the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan a “failure” and has positioned itself as a more reliable partner. The step gives Russia leverage in a region where it competes with China and Iran for power.
Historical Context of Russian Taliban Relations
Russia’s relationship with the Taliban has undergone a complete transformation. The group was formed in 1994 by former US-backed Mujahideen fighters who battled the Soviet Union during the 1980s.
The Soviet-Afghan war resulted in a stinging defeat for Moscow that some claim accelerated the collapse of the then USSR.
Russia put the Taliban on its “terrorist” blacklist in 2003. The group backed separatists in the North Caucasus. Yet the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 forced Russia to change tack as it competed for regional power.
Regional Powers May Follow Russia’s Lead
Other countries in the region are watching Russia’s step closely. China recognised a Taliban ambassador in February 2024, though it stopped short of full recognition. Iran, Pakistan, Türkiye, and India have all made efforts to engage with the Taliban authorities.
Several countries kept their embassies open during the Taliban takeover. Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates maintained a diplomatic presence in Kabul. These states regard engagement with the Taliban as necessary to address security concerns.
Opponents Point to Human Rights Concerns
Russia’s recognition bears considerable risks.
The Taliban government remains widely criticised for human rights violations, especially regarding women’s rights. No other country has formally recognised the Taliban-led government since it seized power in 2021.
The United Nations still refers to the administration as the "Taliban de facto authorities."
International pressure may mount on Moscow to reverse its decision. Western governments continue to demand the Taliban improve human rights conditions before any recognition. Russia’s step could complicate its relationships with European partners who oppose legitimising the Taliban regime.
Moscow’s Response to Human Rights Objections
Russia dismisses Western concerns about human rights as hypocritical. Moscow points to decades of failed Western intervention in Afghanistan. Russian officials contend that engagement, not isolation, offers the best chance for gradual improvement in Afghan society.
The Kremlin maintains that recognising the Taliban serves regional stability. Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that the step will benefit both countries across various fields. Moscow prioritises geopolitical gains over Western moral concerns.
The New Great Game Begins Now
Russia’s recognition of the Taliban government means more than diplomatic housekeeping.
The outreach signals the start of a new great game in Central Asia. Moscow is positioning itself as a power broker in a region where traditional Western sway has waned. The Taliban now has its first formal ally since returning to power.
China may follow Russia’s lead in the coming months. Iran and Pakistan could also shift toward full recognition. The Taliban’s isolation is ending, whether the West likes it or not. Moscow has opened the door to a new chapter in Afghan diplomacy that could alter regional power relations for years to come.
Keep up with Daily Euro Times for more updates!
Read also:
Russia Courts Taliban as Great Powers Jostle for Afghanistan
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Gender Under the Taliban and Trump
Taliban Shutdown of NGOs Employing Female Staff
