Russia Sets Record As First Country to Formally Recognise Taliban Government in Afghanistan

July 04, (THEWILL) — Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, marking a major diplomatic milestone nearly four years after the group seized power.

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that it had accepted the credentials of Gul Hassan Hassan, the newly nominated Afghan ambassador to Moscow. The ministry said the move was aimed at fostering “productive bilateral cooperation” between the two countries.

While several nations have maintained unofficial or low-level diplomatic ties with the Taliban — including China, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates — no country had until now officially recognised the Islamist regime that returned to power in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces.

Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, announced the recognition in remarks broadcast on state-owned Channel One television, stating that the decision was authorised by President Vladimir Putin following consultations with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Zhirnov described the move as a demonstration of Russia’s “sincere striving for the development of full-fledged relations with Afghanistan.”

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry hailed the development as a “historic step,” with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi describing it as “a good example for other countries” to follow.

Despite lacking international recognition, the Taliban government has engaged in high-level talks with a number of countries and continues to push for legitimacy on the global stage. Its rule, however, remains controversial due to its strict interpretation of Islamic law and the ongoing curtailment of women’s rights and civil liberties.

Earlier this year, Russia lifted its official ban on the Taliban as a terrorist organisation, a move that analysts say paved the way for formal diplomatic engagement.

The recognition is expected to deepen economic and security cooperation between Moscow and Kabul, particularly as Russia looks to expand its geopolitical influence in Central and South Asia amid growing tensions with the West.