Moscow (Web Desk/Agencies): Russia has lifted its long-standing ban on the Taliban, a group it had classified as a terrorist organization for over two decades.
The move, announced Thursday following a ruling by the Russian Supreme Court, signals a major policy shift and opens the door for Moscow to formalize relations with the current Afghan leadership.
Although no country officially recognizes the Taliban government that took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, Russia has been cautiously increasing its engagement with the group.
President Vladimir Putin has previously referred to the Taliban as a partner in the fight against terrorism.
The decision to remove the terrorist designation reflects growing concerns in Moscow over regional security threats, particularly from militant groups operating across Afghanistan and the Middle East.
One of the most alarming recent incidents was the March 2024 attack on a concert hall near Moscow, where gunmen killed 145 people.
US intelligence agencies attributed the assault to ISIS-K, the Afghan branch of the Islamic State, intensifying Russia’s focus on counterterrorism collaboration in the region.
The Taliban has publicly committed to eradicating ISIS-K from Afghanistan, a pledge that aligns with Russian security interests. However, the group remains isolated on the international stage due to its domestic policies, especially those restricting women’s rights.
Despite claiming to respect women under Islamic law, the Taliban has banned girls and women from attending high school and university and imposed strict rules on their movement without male guardians.
These human rights issues continue to block broader diplomatic recognition of their government.