Russia’s Supreme Court lifted the ban on the Afghan Taliban and decided to appoint an Afghan ambassador in Moscow.

Moscow opens doors to Taliban ambassador:

Since 2003, Russia has labeled Afghan Talian on a banned terrorist organization list. In 2025, Russia’s Supreme Court lifted the ban and decided to appoint an Afghan ambassador in Moscow. Russia’s acceptance of the Taliban government initiates normalization of ties with the Taliban.

A step toward normalization:

The Afghan foreign and internal affairs minister met with the Russian ministry. Due to this, the ban on the Afghan Taliban is lifted. The Russian Ministry informed the Afghan Taliban to initiate the diplomatic ties between the countries with the Afghan ambassador in Moscow. Taliban representatives reportedly welcomed the announcement and expressed gratitude to the Russian government.

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Economic interests at play:

Russia and the Afghan Taliban’s relationship is majorly focused on strengthening the economic interests of both sides. Moscow sees Afghanistan as a trading partner to help increase the country’s economy. Taliban’s involvement in Russia’s events shows the initiation of positive bilateral relations.

Russia’s calculated approach:

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, “The new authorities in Kabul are a reality. We must be practical and not let ideology guide our policies.” The statement is enough to understand the Russian strategy to engage with the Afghan Taliban. Russia did not officially recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. Still, it focuses on the practical approaches concerning security and trade between both nations.

Taliban seeking International legitimacy:

Though Russia has started its diplomatic ties with Afghanistan, Afghanistan is still looking for International legitimacy. The world powers refer to the Afghan Taliban government as the “de facto authorities.” It means accepting the control of the Afghan Taliban but without accepting its legitimacy.

Significance of Russia’s decision:

Although the Afghan Taliban did not get an official International acceptance, Russia’s closer step toward the Afghan Taliban regime can make a difference. Trade and security are the major focus within these diplomatic bilateral ties.