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ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic shift, Russia’s Supreme Court has formally removed the Afghan Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, ending a ban that had been in place since 2003.
According to a British news agency, the decision was made following a request from Russia’s Prosecutor General. With the ruling, the Taliban will no longer be recognized as a terrorist entity under Russian law – a move that marks a notable turn in Moscow’s policy towards Afghanistan.
The development comes amid steadily improving ties between Russia and the Taliban-led administration in Kabul, despite the group still lacking formal recognition from any government. Analysts view the court decision as a potential precursor to expanded bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of security and counter-terrorism.
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. While most countries have withheld formal recognition of their regime, Russia has kept diplomatic channels open. Last year, President Vladimir Putin even described the Taliban as a regional “ally” in the fight against terrorism.
Moscow has voiced growing concern over the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan, especially after the deadly March 2024 attack on a Moscow concert hall that left 145 people dead. The Islamic State claimed responsibility, with US intelligence later attributing the assault to ISIS-Khorasan, the Afghan branch of the group.
The Taliban, for their part, insist they are actively targeting ISIS cells operating within Afghanistan. However, Western governments remain skeptical, citing the Taliban’s hardline policies – particularly on women’s rights and civil liberties – as key barriers to broader international recognition.
