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Russia Becomes First State to Recognise Taliban Government of Afghanistan

2 min read
Authors
Roman Kohanets
Author
Taliban Russia
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Rudenko accepts copies of credentials from Gul Hassan Hassan, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to the Russian Federation. (Source: Russian FM).

Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced that it had accepted the credentials of Abdul Salam Hanafi as the new Afghan ambassador in Moscow, making Russia the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan, as was reported by Reuters on July 4.

In its statement, the ministry said Moscow saw “good prospects to develop ties” and would support Kabul in security, counter-terrorism and combating drug crime, while also exploring opportunities in energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed “this courageous step” by Russia, expressing hope it would encourage other nations to follow suit. No other country has yet extended formal recognition, although China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have all dispatched envoys to Kabul, a precautionary move towards eventual recognition.

The decision represents a major milestone for the Taliban administration as it seeks to end its diplomatic isolation. Washington, by contrast, continues to freeze billions in Afghanistan’s central bank assets and maintains sanctions on senior Taliban figures, citing concerns over human rights and counter-terrorism commitments.

Russia’s engagement follows a gradual thaw: it lifted its 2003 ban on the Taliban in April 2025 and has since supplied Afghanistan with gas, oil and wheat. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has described the Taliban as an ally in the fight against extremist groups operating in the region.

Earlier, Russia established imports from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, sourcing Coca-Cola, spices and pilaf cauldrons alongside energy drinks and medicinal herbs such as lavender and licorice.

At the same time Afghan goods like chromite ores and gemstones began entering Russian markets via online platforms, reflecting deepening trade ties despite remaining diplomatic hurdles.

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