Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan

Russia became the first country in the world to formally recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan, according to an announcement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

Moscow accepted the credentials of the new Afghan ambassador to Russia, in a move that marks a significant milestone for the Taliban regime, which seized power in August 2021 following the chaotic withdrawal of US-led forces.

In its statement, Russia highlighted its intention to strengthen bilateral relations with Kabul, collaborating in key areas such as security, counterterrorism, and combating drug trafficking.

It also pointed out important economic opportunities in sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure. "We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will boost productive cooperation between our countries in various fields," the ministry stated.

The Afghan Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, thanked Russia for the "brave step" and expressed his hope that other countries will follow suit. However, the move has caused strong controversy.

Various opposition voices, such as former parliamentarian Fawzia Koofi, warned that this type of recognition will not bring peace, but rather legitimize impunity. Meanwhile, the Afghan Network for Women's Political Participation described the gesture as a validation of an "authoritarian," anti-women regime that is dismantling basic civil rights.

Since the Taliban violently regained power, they have imposed severe restrictions on women's rights, banning their access to secondary and higher education, limiting their freedom of movement without male accompaniment, and establishing restrictions on their participation in public life.

Russia had considered the Taliban movement a terrorist organization since 2003, but removed that designation in April of this year. Russian President Vladimir Putin even went so far as to describe the Taliban as an "ally in the fight against terrorism" in 2024.

Since 2022, Afghanistan has imported gas, oil, and wheat from Russia, and both parties have signed bilateral economic agreements. Moscow maintained its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban returned to power, unlike many other countries that evacuated their diplomatic missions.

So far, no other country has officially recognized the Taliban government, although some, such as China, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan, have already appointed ambassadors in Kabul, steps considered preliminary toward eventual recognition.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's financial assets remain frozen and the sanctions imposed by the United Nations remain in force, especially due to human rights violations.