On Thursday, July 3, Russia officially accepted the credentials of a newly appointed Afghan ambassador, becoming the first country to formally recognize the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Moscow sees strong potential for growing bilateral relations and will continue to assist Kabul in areas like security, counter-terrorism, and the fight against drug trafficking. The ministry also highlighted promising trade and economic opportunities between the two nations, particularly in sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure. "We believe that formal recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s government will promote meaningful cooperation across multiple fields," the ministry noted.

In response, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed appreciation, calling Russia’s move a "brave step" and expressed hope that it would inspire other nations to follow suit. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led forces, no other country has officially recognized their government. However, several nations — including China, the UAE, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan — have sent ambassadors to Kabul, hinting at a gradual shift toward recognition.

Russia’s decision marks a major diplomatic milestone for the Taliban as it attempts to reduce its global isolation. The move is likely to be monitored closely by the United States, which has frozen Afghanistan’s central bank assets and imposed sanctions on key Taliban leaders, contributing to the country’s exclusion from global financial systems.

Historically, Russia has had a complex relationship with Afghanistan. Though it had previously outlawed the Taliban as a terrorist organization in 2003, Moscow lifted that ban in April 2025. President Vladimir Putin has since called the Taliban a partner in the fight against terrorism. Since 2022, Afghanistan has been importing oil, gas, and wheat from Russia.

This growing cooperation is also driven by shared security concerns, particularly from extremist groups operating across the region. A March 2024 terrorist attack in Moscow, which killed 149 people, was claimed by Islamic State and believed by U.S. officials to be orchestrated by its Afghan affiliate, ISIS-K. The Taliban claims it is working to eliminate the presence of ISIS within Afghanistan.

Despite this progress, broader international recognition of the Taliban government remains hindered by its harsh stance on women’s rights. The Taliban has banned girls and women from attending secondary schools and universities and restricted their movement without a male guardian, insisting its policies align with its strict interpretation of Islamic law. Russia’s involvement in Afghanistan also echoes its historical footprint — notably the Soviet Union’s invasion in 1979, which led to a prolonged and bloody conflict against U.S.-backed mujahideen forces. That war ended in 1989, leaving nearly 15,000 Soviet troops dead.