Russia Recognizes Taliban Government as Afghanistan’s Ruling Power
Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban as the governing authority of Afghanistan, marking a significant shift in international relations. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that this recognition aims to boost bilateral cooperation. The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, but has not been recognized by any other state due to concerns over human rights and governance. Russia’s decision, influenced by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reflects its growing alignment with authoritarian regimes, including North Korea and Iran, to strengthen economic and military partnerships. This move comes amid deteriorating relations with Western nations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Despite its control over the country, the Taliban-led administration has not been formally recognized by any other state due to its failure to meet international commitments on human rights, governance, and counter-terrorism. Russian state media outlet TASS reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin made the final decision based on advice from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
As relations with Western governments fell apart following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has increasingly looked to work closely with totalitarian regimes, including North Korea and Iran, to advance economic and military partnerships.
In recent years, Moscow has expanded engagement with the Taliban, deepening trade ties and investing in Afghan infrastructure. The Taliban also regularly participates in Russian economic and educational forums.
In recent months, Russia’s Supreme Court ruled to suspend the ban on dealings with the Taliban, and Russia’s State Duma passed legislation in December 2024 allowing the possibility of removing organizations from the list of banned terrorist groups.
Putin has previously referred to the Taliban as "allies," while Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called them "sane people."
The Taliban, however, continues to enforce strict Islamic law, banning women from education, restricting social interactions, and carrying out the public stoning of women to death.