Russia’s Supreme Court has officially removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations, signaling a significant shift in Moscow’s stance toward Afghanistan’s de facto rulers. The move, announced on Thursday by Supreme Court Judge Oleg Nefedov, takes immediate legal effect and is widely seen as a step toward strengthening political and economic ties with the Taliban regime.
While the Taliban remains unrecognised as the official government of Afghanistan by the international community, Russia has been gradually normalising relations with the group since their return to power in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. forces. The Russian government has hosted Taliban delegations at key international events, including the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum, and held direct talks with senior Taliban officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s meeting with the group’s top diplomat in October 2023.
The decision to lift the terrorist label came after Russia’s Prosecutor General petitioned the Supreme Court last month, citing ongoing diplomatic engagements and security cooperation. Moscow views the Taliban as a pragmatic partner in the fight against Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), a group responsible for multiple deadly attacks in Afghanistan and Russia, including the March 2024 Moscow concert hall bombing that killed 145 people.
Historically, Russia designated the Taliban as a terrorist group in 2003 due to its alleged support for North Caucasus separatists. However, geopolitical realities and security threats have prompted a reevaluation. In July 2024, President Vladimir Putin described the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism.”
The move does not amount to formal recognition of the Taliban government, but it removes legal obstacles to further engagement. It also spares Russian officials potential diplomatic awkwardness during official meetings.
Russia is not alone in adjusting its stance. Kazakhstan removed the Taliban from its terrorist list in 2023, and China has deepened economic ties while appointing a new ambassador to Kabul.
As Moscow eyes Afghanistan as a regional transit hub for gas exports to Southeast Asia, the Kremlin’s latest decision underscores its broader strategy to secure influence and stability in Central Asia through cooperation with the Taliban.
