Kathrine Frich
The move marks a significant pivot in Moscow’s diplomatic approach to Afghanistan.
The move marks a significant pivot in Moscow’s diplomatic approach to Afghanistan.
Russia Removes Taliban from Terror List
For the first time, the Taliban are taking part in the Moscow International Security Summit.
The milestone follows Russia’s decision to delist the group as a terrorist organization, an announcement made by former Defense Minister and current Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu.
“New Avenues” for Russian-Afghan Relations
Speaking to representatives from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Shoigu described the decision as a gateway to “association” between Russia and Afghanistan, claiming it serves the mutual interests of both nations.
Taliban representatives attended the meeting as observers, signaling a growing international presence.
Russia’s Supreme Court Rubber-Stamps the Move
On April 17, 2025, Russia’s highest court officially removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist entities.
Though symbolic, the ruling is widely viewed as a bid to bolster ties with the isolated regime in Kabul.
Shoigu suggested the decision would help revive the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group.
Taliban Had Longstanding Access to Moscow
Despite the group being labeled a terrorist organization since 2003, Taliban envoys have made multiple trips to Moscow, both before and after seizing power in August 2021.
These visits often revolved around peace talks and regional stability efforts following the U.S. withdrawal.
Still No Formal Recognition by Any Country
No government globally has granted official recognition to the Taliban administration, largely due to its oppressive treatment of women and lack of inclusivity.
Nonetheless, countries like Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, and most Central Asian nations maintain informal diplomatic ties with Kabul.
ISIS-K Attack Accelerates Moscow-Kabul Engagement
Relations between the two governments intensified after the March 22, 2024, attack near Moscow, which killed 145 people.
The perpetrators were linked to ISIS-K, a militant faction operating out of Afghanistan.
This common threat appears to have catalyzed Russia’s strategic outreach.
Putin Labels Taliban as “Allies Against Terrorism”
In July 2024, President Vladimir Putin described the Taliban as allies in the fight against extremist factions like ISIS-K.
By year’s end, he signed legislation enabling the delisting of such groups from Russia’s terror registry, setting the legal stage for the current shift.
Lavrov Calls for Sanctions Relief and Reconstruction
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking in late 2024, urged the West to lift sanctions on Afghanistan and assist in its reconstruction.
He argued that decades of foreign intervention have left the country in ruins and that global powers should take responsibility.
From Adversaries to Strategic Partners
The irony is not lost on observers: many senior Taliban figures once fought against Soviet forces during the 1980s.
Now, some four decades later, they are being courted by Moscow as potential partners in regional stability.