Russia Becomes First Country to Officially Recognize Taliban Government

KABUL, July 4, 2025 — In a historic and controversial shift, Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government announced Thursday that Russia has become the first country to officially recognize its rule, calling Moscow’s move a “brave decision” that opens a new chapter in the country’s foreign relations.

The announcement followed a meeting in Kabul between Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov. “This brave decision will be an example for others… Russia was ahead of everyone,” Muttaqi stated in a video message shared on X (formerly Twitter).

Zia Ahmad Takal, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed to AFP: “Russia is the first country which has officially recognized the Islamic Emirate.”

A New Diplomatic Chapter

The Russian Foreign Ministry echoed the sentiment in a Telegram post, saying the recognition aims to “boost the development of productive bilateral cooperation,” particularly in sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure. Moscow also emphasized its continued interest in aiding Afghanistan in combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

Russia’s decision comes after a series of steps toward normalizing ties with the Taliban. In April, it removed the group from its official list of terrorist organizations, and it recently accepted a Taliban-appointed ambassador in Moscow. President Vladimir Putin, in July 2024, referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism.”

Moscow was also the first to open a business representative office in Kabul following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 and has expressed interest in using Afghanistan as a gas transit hub to Southeast Asia.

Strategic Interests Trump Human Rights?

Russia’s recognition marks a significant diplomatic win for the Taliban, who have long sought international legitimacy since regaining control in August 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces. Only three countries — Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the UAE — recognized the Taliban during their previous rule from 1996 to 2001.

Today, countries like China, Pakistan, and Iran have accepted Taliban diplomats but stopped short of formal recognition, often citing human rights concerns — particularly regarding the treatment of women and girls.

Outcry from Afghan Women and Rights Groups

The recognition has sparked outrage from Afghan women’s rights activists and former lawmakers, who condemned the move as a betrayal of international human rights principles.

Mariam Solaimankhil, a former Afghan MP, said the decision “legitimizes a regime that bans girls from education, enforces public floggings, and shelters UN-sanctioned terrorists.” She warned it sends a message that “strategic interests will always outweigh human rights and international law.”

Another ex-MP, Fawzia Koofi, argued that recognition “will not bring peace — it will legitimize impunity” and may even “risk endangering not just the people of Afghanistan, but global security.”

Global Implications

The decision underscores growing geopolitical realignment in the region, with Russia and China increasingly filling the vacuum left by Western disengagement. It also raises questions about whether more countries will follow Moscow’s lead, especially those with strong economic or strategic interests in Afghanistan.

Despite international sanctions still imposed on key Taliban leaders and mounting criticism over human rights abuses, Russia’s move may open the door to broader engagement with the regime — a prospect both promising and perilous for Afghanistan’s future.