| Published July 7, 2025
Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group took power in 2021. The Kremlin said the move would ‘pave the way for bilateral cooperation’, while the Taliban hailed it as a ‘courageous step’.
📰 Key Updates
-
Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, accepting the credentials of Afghan ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan on July 3, 2025.
-
The Russian Foreign Ministry said this step “will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation” across security, counter‑terrorism, energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure.
-
Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations in April 2025 and has been quietly engaging in trade (oil, gas, wheat) and security talks since then.
-
Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi praised Russia’s decision, calling it “a brave decision” and hoping it “will serve as an example for others as well”.
-
Western nations remain hesitant, primarily due to concerns over Taliban‑imposed restrictions on women’s rights and girls’ education
Context & Geopolitical Implications
-
Historical shift
Russia previously barred the Taliban as terrorists back in 2003. It began softening this stance in April by delisting them — a key precursor to full diplomatic recognition -
Strategic motivations
-
Moscow sees the Taliban as an ally in combating threats like ISIS‑K, which carried out a deadly attack in Moscow in 2024
-
The move strengthens Russia’s role in Central and South Asia and challenges Western influence
-
-
Regional cascade?
-
Nations such as China, Pakistan, and UAE have received Taliban envoys or trade delegations, but none have formally recognized the government until now.
-
China publicly welcomed Russia’s recognition, and experts suggest other Central Asian or Gulf countries could follow.
-
-
Criticism and risks
-
Exiled Afghan activists strongly decried the decision as legitimizing a regime that suppresses women’s rights.
-
Some analysts warn this shift may entangle Afghanistan in a broader proxy competition between Russia and other powers .
-
Overall Takeaway:
1. Biden’s Weak Foreign Policy Has Created a Vacuum
Russia’s move reflects how far U.S. influence has declined under the Biden administration. The botched 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, failure to deter the Taliban, and lack of a clear strategy have allowed adversaries like Russia to step in and dictate terms in a region the U.S. once controlled.
2. Russia Is Exploiting U.S. Retreat to Expand Its Global Reach
By recognizing the Taliban, Russia is cementing itself as a power broker in South and Central Asia. It’s a direct challenge to U.S. foreign policy—and a strategic win for Putin. While the West lectures on “democracy” and “gender equality,” Moscow is cutting deals, securing influence, and expanding its energy and security footprint.
3. Realpolitik Wins Over Moral Lecturing
Russia’s recognition underscores a hard truth: the global order is shifting toward realism. Countries are no longer waiting for Western approval to engage with regimes the U.S. disapproves of. This is a clear message—power and stability matter more than values-based diplomacy.
4. China and Iran Likely to Follow
This move sets a precedent. Now that Russia has led the way, China and Iran may soon formalize ties as well—strengthening the anti-Western axis. This would further isolate the U.S. and EU from strategic trade routes, energy pipelines, and intelligence operations in the region.
5. Taliban Legitimacy Strengthened by U.S. Absence
Whether the West likes it or not, the Taliban now have de facto and de jure recognition from a major global power. The U.S. refusal to engage diplomatically has backfired—leaving Afghanistan in the hands of adversaries, with no leverage to protect women’s rights, education, or humanitarian access.
6. A Wake-Up Call for American Leadership
This should be a wake-up call: appeasement and disengagement don’t bring peace—they empower extremists and embolden rivals. Without strong leadership, the U.S. risks becoming irrelevant on the world stage while hostile regimes carve up influence zones unopposed.
