Russia has made a bold move by deciding to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations, as reported by the state-run RIA Novosti news agency. This decision comes three years after the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, signaling a shift in Russia’s approach towards the group.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted as saying that Kazakhstan had recently made a similar decision, prompting Russia to follow suit. This move is expected to further strengthen diplomatic ties between Russia and Afghanistan, although it falls short of officially recognizing the Taliban government and its self-proclaimed “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”
The Taliban seized power in 2021 from a US-backed government and has since imposed strict Islamic laws that severely restrict women’s rights. Despite these controversial policies, Russia sees the Taliban as the “real power” in Afghanistan and is keen on engaging with them to maintain stability in the region.
In a surprising development, Russia has invited Taliban representatives to its prestigious Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, a clear indication of Moscow’s efforts to cultivate relations with the group. This move comes amidst allegations in the past that Russia had provided weapons to the Taliban, which Moscow has vehemently denied.
The decision to remove the Taliban from the list of banned organizations marks a significant shift in Russia’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan. It reflects Moscow’s pragmatic approach to dealing with the complex political landscape in the region, shaped by historical ties and strategic interests.