In a pivotal move with significant geopolitical ramifications, Russia has formally recognized the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group returned to power in 2021.

The announcement was made Thursday in Kabul by Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov during a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The decision marks a dramatic shift in international diplomacy and a potential turning point in Afghanistan’s quest for global legitimacy.

Calling the recognition “courageous,” Muttaqi praised Russia’s decision as the start of “a new era of constructive engagement, mutual respect, and expanding bilateral relations.” He urged other nations to follow suit, framing Russia’s recognition as a potential catalyst for broader international acceptance of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Russia’s foreign ministry reinforced the message, stating that official recognition would strengthen collaboration in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure. It also reaffirmed Moscow’s support for counterterrorism and anti-narcotics efforts in the region.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the regime has struggled to gain formal international recognition, largely due to concerns over human rights violations—especially those affecting women and minorities—as well as the group’s harsh interpretation of Islamic law. While many countries have engaged informally with the Taliban for pragmatic reasons, none had taken the step of formal recognition—until now.

Russia’s move is particularly striking given the fraught history between the two countries. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 sparked a nearly decade-long war that resulted in the deaths of more than 15,000 Soviet troops and contributed to the eventual collapse of the USSR. Today’s development reflects a profound recalibration of regional alliances and a clear strategic pivot by Moscow.

Despite its complicated past with Afghanistan, Russia has maintained a diplomatic presence in Kabul and chose not to close its embassy following the Taliban takeover. In fact, Russia had been laying the groundwork for this recognition for years: hosting Taliban officials for talks as early as 2018 and signing an economic cooperation deal in 2022 to supply Afghanistan with vital resources including oil, gas, and wheat.

The final steps came in April 2025, when Russia officially removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations. President Vladimir Putin later described the group as an “ally” in regional anti-terror efforts—further cementing the shift in Russian policy.

With Russia’s formal recognition now in place, all eyes are on how other global powers will respond—and whether this move will break the diplomatic impasse that has left Afghanistan isolated for nearly four years.