Moscow/Kabul: Russia today officially lifted its two-decade old ban on the Afghan Taliban, removing the group from its list of designated terrorist organisations.
The move, confirmed by Russian state media on Thursday, marks a significant shift in Moscow’s diplomatic posture toward the de facto rulers of Afghanistan.
Russia’s Supreme Court on Thursday removed the Taliban’s designation as a “terrorist organisation”, a symbolic gesture aimed at building friendly ties with Afghanistan’s rulers.
The Islamist group seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, after American forces pulled out.
The Russian Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban, imposed in 2003, takes effect immediately and paves the way for broader engagement between the Kremlin and the Taliban.
Although no country has formally recognised the Taliban-led government since it seized power in
August 2021, Moscow has gradually deepened its ties with the group in recent years.
President Vladimir Putin previously described the Taliban as a partner in combating terrorism. Russia now views cooperation with the group as a strategic necessity, especially amid growing regional security threats from extremist organizations, Khaama reported.
The Taliban remains isolated on the international stage due to its human rights record—particularly concerning women’s rights. The group has imposed sweeping restrictions on Afghan women, including banning them from secondary and higher education and limiting their public presence without a male guardian. The Taliban claims its policies are aligned with Islamic principles.
Russia’s latest move, while not constituting formal recognition of the Taliban government, signals a pragmatic step toward deeper relations.
UNI
