Russia has officially recognised the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations as Moscow aims to strengthen ties with Kabul. The announcement was made Thursday through Russian state media.
Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, confirmed the decision in a statement to RIA Novosti, stating that Moscow now formally acknowledges the Taliban, who govern under the name Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also verified the move through the TASS news agency.
Reacting to the development, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi praised Russia’s recognition as a “brave decision”, calling it a historic step that may pave the way for other countries to follow suit. “Russia is the first, and this will serve as an example for others,” he said in a video shared on social media after a meeting with Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in Kabul.
This makes Russia the first major global power to grant official recognition to the Taliban government since it took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.
