Russia Makes History, Recognizes Taliban Rule in Afghanistan

Russia has made history by becoming the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government. Moscow’s official acknowledgment of Taliban rule in Afghanistan marks a significant diplomatic move that breaks the international isolation surrounding the regime since it took power in 2021.

Russian authorities removed the Taliban from their terrorist organizations list and accepted an ambassador from the Afghan government. The new Afghan envoy Gul Hassan Hassan presented his credentials to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. “This brave decision will be an example for others… Now that the process of recognition has started, Russia was ahead of everyone,” stated official sources about this unprecedented step. The recognition also includes planned collaboration in security, counter-narcotics, infrastructure, trade and energy sectors, which demonstrates Russia’s complete approach to engagement.

Russia recognizes Taliban government in formal diplomatic shift

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“We value this courageous step taken by Russia, and, God willing, it will serve as an example for others as well.” — Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghan Foreign Minister (Taliban government)

Russia’s Foreign Ministry officially accepted the credentials of Afghanistan’s newly appointed ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan, on July 3, 2025. This historic decision came after Russia’s Supreme Court suspended the Taliban’s terrorist designation in April—a status that existed since 2003.

Russian special envoy Dmitry Zhirnov revealed that President Vladimir Putin personally approved the formal recognition based on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recommendation. “It demonstrates Russia’s sincere desire to establish a full-fledged partnership with Afghanistan,” Zhirnov announced on Russia’s state TV channel Rossiya-1.

The path toward this diplomatic transformation started several months earlier. Putin promptly signed legislation that the State Duma passed in December 2024, which allowed organizations to be removed from Russia’s terrorist list through court decisions. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office took action by March 2025 and petitioned the Supreme Court to suspend the ban on Taliban activities.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi described the recognition as “a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement”. He expressed hope that other nations would follow Russia’s example during a video meeting with Ambassador Zhirnov.

Moscow released a formal statement that highlighted potential cooperation: “We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will boost the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in several areas”. The ministry pointed out opportunities in energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

This recognition represents a major transformation in Russia’s approach to Afghanistan. Moscow managed to keep its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, but this formal acknowledgment shows a calculated diplomatic strategy. Putin had already referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism” by July 2024, especially when dealing with Islamic State Khorasan Province.

The Afghan embassy in Moscow now displays the Taliban flag—a first since the group seized power. China, Pakistan, and the UAE have designated ambassadors to Kabul, but none had officially recognized the Taliban government until Russia made this announcement.

Moscow expands cooperation with Taliban on security and trade

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Russia and Afghanistan’s diplomatic recognition has led to a dramatic expansion in bilateral trade. Their trade volume grew five times in 2023 and reached AED 3.67 billion (approximately $1 billion). The numbers show strong potential for future growth. Russian liquefied gas exports to Afghanistan jumped 52% between January and February 2025.

Security cooperation has become the life-blood of Russia-Afghanistan relations, particularly after ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) was linked to the March 2024 Crocus City Hall terrorist attack. Russian special envoy Zamir Kabulov promised Taliban authorities “all possible assistance” through “specialized structures” to curb their “common enemy” ISIS-K. This partnership helps Russia handle threats from Afghanistan that might destabilize Central Asia.

Both countries have established strong economic ties across multiple sectors. Russia and Afghanistan signed a provisional deal in 2022 to supply approximately one million tons of gasoline, one million tons of diesel, 500,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas, and two million tons of wheat yearly. Russian companies have shown interest in Afghanistan’s mining sector, and Russian geologists started special research on rare-earth resources in December 2024.

The Russian-backed Trans-Afghan Railway project represents a significant area of cooperation that will connect Central Asia to South Asia. This project could become part of the International North-South Transport Corridor linking Russia to the Indian Ocean. Officials at the May 2025 Russia-Afghanistan business forum in Kazan emphasized how this project would discover Afghanistan’s full transit potential.

Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar led a high-level delegation to Tatarstan for the 16th Kazan Economic Forum in May 2025. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk remarked during the visit: “The time has come for peaceful development in Afghanistan, the establishment of neighborly relations, and the reinforcement of economic connectivity across Eurasia”.

Russia has created a labor agreement that allows Afghan workers to fill labor shortages. This includes skilled workers such as masons, welders, electricians, and painters.

Global powers react to Russia’s recognition of Taliban rule

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Russia’s diplomatic recognition of the Taliban sparked quick and diverse reactions worldwide. The United States strongly condemned Moscow’s move. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called it “a dangerous precedent that undermines collective efforts to pressure the Taliban on human rights.” The State Department then began reviewing specific aspects of U.S.-Russia cooperation in Central Asia.

EU officials shared these worries. EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell pointed out that Russia’s recognition goes against the EU’s position. He stressed that recognition should depend on the Taliban meeting specific standards for women’s rights and inclusive governance. The European Parliament responded with a non-binding resolution that urged member states to stay united against formal recognition.

China took a more balanced stance. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wei Feng said Beijing “respects the sovereign decisions of other nations.” Yet, he restated China’s view that recognition should link to “concrete actions by Kabul authorities.” Chinese officials have since increased their diplomatic talks with Taliban representatives.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs voiced “deep concern.” The country has traditionally supported the former Republic of Afghanistan government. They emphasized that legitimacy must come after real progress on counter-terrorism promises and respect for ethnic minorities.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that early recognition might hurt ongoing efforts to build inclusive governance in Afghanistan. The UN Security Council met urgently at several members’ request but couldn’t agree on an official response.

Central Asian nations closest to Afghanistan reacted carefully. Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister said his country would watch developments closely. Tajikistan stood firm in its opposition to Taliban recognition.

Pakistan hasn’t copied Russia’s move despite its historical Taliban ties. The country’s Foreign Office said recognition would need “broader regional consensus” and “fulfillment of international expectations.”

Nations continue to adjust their Afghanistan policies as Moscow’s surprise decision creates ongoing diplomatic ripples.

Russia made history by recognizing the Taliban government. This decision marks a turning point in international diplomacy and ends the Taliban’s four-year diplomatic isolation. Moscow shows its practical approach through formal recognition, stronger economic ties, and security cooperation.

This diplomatic move has big implications for world politics. The US and European Union strongly oppose it. China takes a more balanced view. Countries in Central Asia stay cautious despite being close to Afghanistan. Different reactions from countries around the world show how complex the situation is.

The economic side of this relationship matters just as much. Trade between both countries has grown rapidly. Russian gas, wheat, and infrastructure projects are the foundations of their partnership. Russia also shows interest in Afghanistan’s mines and the Trans-Afghan Railway project, which shows they’re thinking about the long term.

Both countries work together against common threats, especially ISIS-K. The recent Crocus City Hall attack, linked to ISIS-K, proves why they need each other. This shared danger pushed Moscow and Kabul closer together.

No one knows if other countries will do the same. All the same, this change has altered the map of international relations around Afghanistan. The Taliban got their first big diplomatic win, though many countries still won’t recognize them. Russia now plays a crucial role in Afghanistan’s future. This gives them more power in this key region and challenges Western efforts to isolate the Taliban.

This bold move means more than just better relations between two countries. It could change how the world deals with Afghanistan. The next few months will show if Russia stands alone or if others follow their lead in accepting the Taliban government.