Success for the Taliban, Moscow recognizes the Kabul government in Afghanistan

Since the invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has faced diplomatic tensions internationally. Russia is now the first country to recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan, which remains largely isolated.

Russia has become the first country in the world to recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan, almost four years after it returned to power. "We hope that the act of official recognition of the Government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will promote the development of productive bilateral cooperation," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Islamists call recognition "historic"

Moscow has also said it wants to support Kabul in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking. The Taliban's Foreign Ministry has spoken of a "historic step" in relations between the two countries. According to the Islamists, Russia serves as a good example for other states.

Since the Taliban took power back in 2021, women in Afghanistan have been subjected to massive oppression.

Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban have faced international criticism, particularly for widespread violations of women's rights, and are largely considered isolated. However, neighboring countries maintain a more pragmatic relationship with the Islamists.

Putin talks about "allies"

The Russian Federation and the Kabul government have recently grown closer. By removing the Taliban from the list of "terrorist organizations," Moscow took a first step toward normalizing relations. In July 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin even went so far as to call the Taliban "allies in the fight against terrorism."

Russia was also the first country to open a representative office in Kabul after the Taliban took power. Moscow is focusing not only on diplomatic relations, but also on economic ones. The Kremlin has stated that it wants to use Afghanistan as a transit point for natural gas supplies to Southeast Asia.

So far, no other country has officially recognized the Taliban government. However, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan and Pakistan have sent ambassadors to Kabul, which is seen as a step towards recognition./ DW (A2 Televizion)