Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government on Thursday hailed Russia’s formal recognition of its administration as a historic and “brave decision,” marking Moscow as the first country to officially endorse Taliban rule since their return to power in 2021.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The recognition was confirmed following a meeting between Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in Kabul.

“This courageous move by Russia will set an example for other countries,” Muttaqi declared in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating the recognition as the beginning of a “new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zia Ahmad Takal also told AFP, “Russia is the first country that has officially recognised the Islamic Emirate,” referring to the Taliban’s official title for its government.

In a statement posted on Telegram, Russia’s foreign ministry said the decision would “bolster bilateral cooperation” across sectors including energy, agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure. Moscow also reaffirmed its intention to support Afghanistan in tackling terrorism and drug trafficking.

The announcement follows a series of steps by Russia to normalise ties with the Taliban government, including removing the group from its list of terrorist organisations in April and accepting a Taliban ambassador in Kabul. President Vladimir Putin previously described the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism” in July 2024.

Russia was also the first nation to open a business representative office in Kabul after the Taliban’s 2021 takeover and has announced plans to use Afghanistan as a transit route for gas exports to Southeast Asia.

During the Taliban’s previous rule (1996–2001), only Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates extended diplomatic recognition. Since their return, countries like China and Pakistan have accepted Taliban-appointed envoys, but have not formally recognised the government.

China, in response to Russia’s announcement, voiced support for the move. “As a traditional friendly neighbour of Afghanistan, China believes the country should not be isolated from the international community,” said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

However, Russia’s decision has drawn swift condemnation from Afghan women’s rights activists and former lawmakers. They warn that formal recognition without addressing human rights concerns—especially the Taliban’s sweeping restrictions on women and girls—risks legitimising oppression.

Mariam Solaimankhil, a former parliamentarian, criticised Moscow’s move, stating, “It legitimizes a regime that bans girls from education, enforces public floggings, and harbours UN-sanctioned terrorists.”

Fawzia Koofi, another former MP, warned that recognising the Taliban “will not bring peace; it will legitimise impunity” and “pose a threat not only to Afghans but to global security.”

Despite growing regional engagement, Taliban officials remain under international sanctions, and Western nations have largely withheld recognition over persistent human rights violations.