Russia recognizes Taliban: A historical step for Afghanistan!
Russia was the first country to recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan to promote bilateral cooperation and security.

Russia recognizes Taliban: A historical step for Afghanistan!
On July 3, 2025, Russia was the first state to officially recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan worldwide. This decision was made almost four years after the Taliban took over again in August 2021 when the last US and NATO troops left the country. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that recognition aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Russia also offers support in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, which underlines the geopolitical dimension of this decision. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi described this recognition as a "historical step" for relationships between Russia and Afghanistan and sees it a positive example of other countries, how to do this, how to do this OE24 reports.
The Taliban, which is strongly criticized internationally because of the massive circumcision of women's rights, have announced that Russia will set a good example of other countries. The Taliban are largely isolated worldwide, while neighboring countries in the region maintain more pragmatic use of the regime. However, critics criticize that the ambivalent handling of Russia with the Taliban is worrying, especially with regard to the ongoing human rights violations that are common during the Taliban rule. In fact, for example, girls are not allowed to attend school lessons beyond the sixth class.
geopolitical implications
The decision of Russia comes in a context in which the international community is confronted with the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Over 24 million people are dependent on help, especially women and children, which reinforces the urgency of a stable political and economic basis. According to ZEIT, Russia receives support from Kabul in order to promote social and economic stability in the region and to ensure security in the adjacent areas.
A significant factor in this geopolitical structure is the geopolitical situation of Afghanistan, which positions the country between southern and central Asia. Important energy and trade routes run through this area. Russia had previously classified the Taliban as a terrorist organization and deleted it from its list of prohibited organizations, which indicates a remarkable turn in the country's foreign policy. President Vladimir Putin first referred to the Taliban as "allies in the fight against terrorism" in 2024, which signals the relationship between the two parties, as [dw] (https://www.dw.com/de/taliban-der-lange-weg-zur-globalen- Erkenung/a-72273189) It is worth noting that Russia began to import natural gas, oil and wheat from Afghanistan in 2022, which further increases the economic connections. As part of international diplomacy, neighbors such as China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have already cultivated diplomatic relationships with the Taliban government, without officially recognizing them.
The way to international recognition
Despite the current developments, the recognition of Taliban by Russia remains symbolic and could affect future relationships from other countries. Analysts like Ghaus Janbaz, a former Afghan diplomat, believe that formal recognition by other countries is only a matter of time. The competition between smaller Asian states and great powers for influence in Afghanistan is reinforced, while the Taliban continues to adhere to its strict interpretation of Sharia and human rights violations are the order of the day.
In summary, Russia's recognition of the Taliban government not only shows another chapter in the changing geopolitical landscape, but also raises many questions about future relationships and responsibility towards people in Afghanistan. The situation remains critical and the path to stable recognition could include both political and humanitarian dimensions.