In a significant policy shift, Russia announced on Thursday that it has lifted its longstanding designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organization, a status imposed in 2003. The decision, effective immediately following a ruling by Russia’s Supreme Court, signals Moscow’s intent to deepen diplomatic and strategic relations with Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government, which has been in power since August 2021.
The move comes as Russia seeks to address mounting security challenges posed by militant groups, particularly the Islamic State’s Afghan branch, known as ISIS-K. The group claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in March 2024 near Moscow, where gunmen killed 145 people at a concert venue. Russian authorities view the Taliban as a potential partner in combating such threats, with President Vladimir Putin previously describing the group as an ally in counterterrorism efforts.
Since the Taliban’s return to power following the U.S. military withdrawal, no country has formally recognized its government. However, Russia has steadily engaged with the Taliban, hosting delegations and fostering dialogue. The decision to delist the group removes a major legal barrier to formalizing these ties, potentially opening the door to economic and security cooperation.
The Taliban has publicly committed to eliminating ISIS-K’s presence in Afghanistan, a goal that aligns with Russia’s regional security priorities. Moscow is also wary of instability spilling over from Afghanistan into neighboring Central Asian states, where it maintains significant influence.
However, the Taliban’s domestic policies, particularly its restrictions on women’s rights, remain a sticking point for broader international acceptance. The group has barred girls and women from attending high schools and universities and imposed rules requiring male guardians for travel. Taliban leaders assert that these measures align with their interpretation of Islamic law, but Western governments argue that such policies hinder diplomatic recognition.
Russia’s decision reflects a pragmatic approach to its geopolitical and security interests, prioritizing stability in Afghanistan over ideological alignment. As Moscow moves toward normalizing relations with the Taliban, the international community will closely watch how this shift influences Afghanistan’s role in global politics and the fight against terrorism.
