Russia has officially suspended its ban on the Taliban, a group it had labeled a terrorist organization for over 20 years. This decision clears the way for Moscow to build closer relations with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government.
No country currently recognizes the Taliban’s rule since they took power in August 2021, following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led forces after two decades of war. However, Russia has been slowly strengthening ties with the group, with President Vladimir Putin recently calling the Taliban an ally in fighting terrorism.
The Taliban was declared a terrorist group by Russia in 2003. On Thursday, the country’s Supreme Court lifted the ban, making the change effective immediately.
Russia sees cooperation with the Taliban as necessary due to security threats from militant groups operating in Afghanistan and nearby regions. In March 2024, Islamic State militants attacked a concert hall near Moscow, killing 145 people. U.S. intelligence suggested the attack was carried out by ISIS-K, the Afghan branch of Islamic State. The Taliban claims it is working to eliminate ISIS from Afghanistan.
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Despite Russia’s move, Western nations remain hesitant to recognize the Taliban due to its harsh policies, especially toward women. The group has banned girls from high schools and universities and restricts women’s movement without a male guardian. The Taliban insists it upholds women’s rights based on its strict interpretation of Islamic law.
