![Dmitry Zhirnov, left, Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan, meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister in Kabul in April, 2025 [Handout/Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AFP]](https://pakhtunenglish.pk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AFP__20250417__42NU636__v1__HighRes__AfghanistanRussiaTalibanDiplomacy-1751569992.webp)
Russia has accepted the credentials of Afghanistan’s new Taliban-appointed ambassador, moving closer to formally recognizing the group’s rule. The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021 after US forces withdrew.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said this step will help strengthen ties between the two countries. “Recognizing the Taliban government officially will boost cooperation in different areas,” the ministry stated.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi praised Russia’s decision, calling it “brave” and saying it would encourage other countries to follow. “Russia is leading the way,” he said in a video meeting with Moscow’s ambassador to Kabul.
This makes Russia the first nation to recognize the Taliban government since it came to power.
Also read: Russia removes Afghan Taliban from list of banned terrorist groups
