Moscow formally accepts Taliban-appointed ambassador, signaling a major diplomatic shift in the region.
KABUL / MOSCOW July 4, 2025
In a groundbreaking decision that might change the political scene in Central and South Asia, Russia has officially acknowledged the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan. This makes Russia the first country to do this since the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021.
This news was confirmed on Thursday by both the Russian Foreign Ministry and Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a formal meeting held in Kabul, Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov handed over the official recognition documents to Afghan Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, which strengthens Moscow’s diplomatic acknowledgment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
“We believe that the formal recognition of the Islamic Emirate will promote fruitful bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields,” said the Russian Foreign Ministry in an official statement released in Moscow.
Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi expressed his approval of the decision, describing it as a “historic moment” for the relationship between Afghanistan and Russia.
“Russia’s realistic and courageous step marks the beginning of a new chapter—based on mutual respect, cooperation, and non-interference,” said Muttaqi in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Russian officials are starting to see the Taliban as an honest government because they both worry about safety in the area, especially with the danger from ISIS-K (Islamic State-Khorasan Province). Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s Special Envoy to Afghanistan, highlighted this during a UN meeting on combating drugs in Doha.
“In this particular case, the Taliban authorities are our objective allies. We must support them politically and militarily to eliminate remaining terror cells in Afghanistan,” Kabulov said.
Russia’s position has undergone a significant shift from its previous stance. Back in 2003, the Russian Supreme Court labeled the Taliban as a terrorist group because of its supposed backing of rebels in Chechnya. But when the Taliban came back to power in 2021, Moscow took a more practical approach.
Russia maintained its embassy in Kabul, while many Western nations withdrew. It was the first country to set up a trade office while the Taliban were in charge. In April 2025, Russia took the Taliban off its list of terrorist organizations, making it easier to recognize them officially.
Experts believe a mix of regional security concerns, economic pragmatism, and a broader anti-Western geopolitical agenda drives the recognition.
“This is about much more than Afghanistan. Moscow is positioning itself as a partner for Islamic countries seeking alternatives to Western influence,” said Dr. Leila Murtazayeva, a Central Asia expert at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).
Up until now, no other nation has officially acknowledged the Taliban government. Still, China, Pakistan, the UAE, and Uzbekistan maintain embassies in Kabul, which experts view as a form of unofficial diplomatic connection.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry reacted positively to Russia’s statement, saying that “Afghanistan should not be cut off from the global community.”
On the other hand, the United States and its allies have yet to recognize it formally. Western countries have pointed out that the Taliban’s strict rules on women’s education, jobs, and rights are significant obstacles to working together. Billions of dollars in Afghan central bank assets are still frozen because of U.S. sanctions.
“Recognition without reform could embolden authoritarian practices,” warned Rachel Snyder, a former U.S. diplomat in Kabul. “Russia’s move will test the resolve of the international community.”
In a 2022 address, Putin stated:
“If the U.S. and Europe claim the right to define their political systems, then surely Asia and the Islamic world have the same right.”
Russia’s recognition of the Taliban is a daring diplomatic move that could affect the whole world. For the Taliban, this is a big step in trying to stop being isolated and to make their rule seem more legitimate. For Russia, it fits into a larger plan to create different alliances that don’t rely on Western powers.
It’s still unclear if this action will lead to more countries recognizing the Taliban or if it will create bigger divides in global politics. But for now, Moscow has made the first move, and everyone is paying attention.
