Russia Becomes First Country to Recognize Taliban Government in Afghanistan

A Controversial Diplomatic Move

In a landmark and highly controversial development, Russia has become the first state to officially recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The recognition, confirmed on Thursday, signals a significant shift in international diplomacy nearly four years after the Taliban retook power in Kabul following the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Russian authorities stated the decision represents a commitment to constructive engagement and regional stability, while critics warn it legitimizes a regime known for systematic oppression and human rights violations, particularly targeting women and girls.

Taliban Welcomes Moscow’s Recognition

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed the move, calling it a “courageous decision” that ushers in “a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement.” He expressed hope that Russia’s recognition would inspire other countries to follow suit. Since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, most nations have refused formal recognition, citing the regime’s harsh implementation of Sharia law, suppression of civil rights, and particularly its restrictions on female education and employment. Despite the regime’s claims of upholding women’s rights “within Islamic principles,” widespread gender apartheid has taken root across the country.

Human Rights Advocates Condemn the Decision

Human rights groups and former Afghan officials have condemned Russia’s move. Fawzia Koofi, a former Afghan lawmaker and women’s rights activist, warned that recognizing the Taliban does not equate to peace, but instead legitimizes impunity and authoritarianism. She stressed the broader danger to global security, suggesting that such endorsements embolden regimes with oppressive ideologies. The Afghan Women’s Political Participation Network issued a harsh statement, calling the Taliban an “anti-women, authoritarian regime” and condemning Russia for “direct support that endangers hard-fought freedoms.” The group also recalled the Soviet Union’s destructive legacy in Afghanistan, criticizing Moscow for repeating its interventionist policies under the guise of diplomacy.

Taliban’s History of Oppression Under Scrutiny

Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban has implemented sweeping restrictions on women’s rights. Girls over the age of 12 have been banned from attending school, women have been barred from most professions, and stringent rules require women to be accompanied by a male guardian when traveling. There have even been edicts forbidding women from raising their voices in public. The United Nations has repeatedly criticized these policies, labeling them as tantamount to gender apartheid, and has also documented numerous public floggings, arbitrary arrests, and retaliatory attacks against former officials of the Western-backed Afghan government.

Economic and Security Interests Drive Moscow’s Decision

Russia’s recognition of the Taliban also appears to be economically and strategically motivated. The Russian foreign ministry highlighted plans for cooperation in areas like energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and transportation. Moscow views the Taliban as a partner in combatting terrorism and drug trafficking, despite historical tensions between the two. Notably, Russia never closed its embassy in Kabul, and in 2022, it became the first country to sign a major economic deal with the Taliban government, agreeing to supply Afghanistan with oil, gas, and wheat. In April this year, Russia also removed the Taliban from its official list of terrorist organizations, a major legal hurdle in formalizing ties.

A Legacy of Conflict Between the Two Nations

Despite today’s diplomacy, Afghanistan and Russia share a complicated history. The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, initiating a brutal nine-year conflict that claimed the lives of around 15,000 Soviet troops and deeply destabilized the region. The installation of a Soviet-backed regime turned the USSR into a global pariah and planted the seeds for decades of resistance and war. Many Afghans still carry resentment over that era, and some now see Russia’s current engagement as an extension of past interference and manipulation.

Mixed Global Response and Ongoing Sanctions

While Moscow proceeds with its recognition, the global community remains deeply divided. Countries like China, Pakistan, the UAE, and Uzbekistan have appointed ambassadors to Kabul, signaling a degree of diplomatic engagement. However, most Western nations maintain distance, citing the Taliban’s noncompliance with human rights standards. Germany recently reopened discussions to deport Afghan criminals, while the UN Human Rights Office warned against any deportations, citing ongoing abuses. Meanwhile, $9 billion in Afghan assets remain frozen under UN Security Council sanctions, as humanitarian and political crises continue to escalate.

About The Author

Ama Oprah

See author's posts