Russia’s Supreme Court has removed the Taliban from its list of designated terrorist organizations after 20 years, marking a significant shift in Moscow’s approach to Afghanistan’s de facto rulers.
At a Glance
- Russia has suspended its 20-year ban on the Taliban as a designated terrorist organization, effective immediately
- The decision follows years of gradual rapprochement between Moscow and the Taliban despite their complex history
- President Vladimir Putin has described the Taliban as an “ally” in counterterrorism efforts, particularly against ISIS
- Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated intentions to develop political, trade, and economic ties with Kabul
- The ruling allows Russian companies to legally conduct business in Afghanistan
From Enemies to Allies: Russia’s Shifting Stance
Russia’s Supreme Court suspended its ban on the Taliban, previously designated as a “terrorist organization” since 2003. The ruling, prompted by a request from the prosecutor general, took immediate effect and represents a dramatic reversal in Russia’s Afghan policy.
This legal change paves the way for normalized relations with Afghanistan’s current rulers and potential formal recognition of their government. The Taliban was originally outlawed in Russia due to its support for Chechen insurgents, making this policy shift particularly noteworthy in the context of Russian security concerns.
The decision follows years of gradual rapprochement between Moscow and the Taliban. Russia began re-engaging with the group as early as 2015, with interest significantly increasing after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
While Russia has not formally recognized the Taliban government, it has maintained its embassy in Kabul, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to dealing with Afghanistan’s current power structure. Russian envoy Zamir Kabulov indicated in May 2024 that only a few obstacles remained to delist the Taliban as a terrorist organization.
Afghanistan:
Russia: The Process of Suspending the Taliban from the List of Terrorist Organizations is “Time-Consuming”
Andrei Rudenko, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, stated that the process of temporarily suspending the Taliban from Russia’s list of terrorist… pic.twitter.com/gGAbC8Cege
— ZAMZAM NEWS (@zamzamafg) February 12, 2025
Strategic Interests Driving the Decision
Shared security interests, particularly against ISIL’s regional affiliate, have brought Russia and the Taliban closer in recent years. President Vladimir Putin has explicitly described the Taliban as an “ally” in counterterrorism efforts, signaling Moscow’s strategic priorities in the region. This alignment against common enemies has facilitated cooperation despite historical tensions. The Taliban’s ability to maintain relative stability in Afghanistan following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal has likely contributed to Russia’s pragmatic reassessment of the group’s role in regional security architecture.
Beyond security considerations, economic interests appear to be driving Russia’s policy shift. Russia has hosted Taliban officials for various forums and has expressed interest in using Afghanistan as a transit hub for gas exports to Southeast Asia. Removing the Taliban from the terror list allows Russian companies to legally conduct business in Afghanistan without violating domestic terrorism financing laws. This economic dimension is particularly relevant as Russia seeks new markets and partners amid Western sanctions imposed following its actions in Ukraine.
Regional Context and Implications
Russia’s move mirrors similar actions by other countries in the region. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have already removed the Taliban from their lists of “terrorist organizations,” suggesting a broader regional acceptance of Afghanistan’s current rulers. Several countries maintain diplomatic presences in Kabul, including China, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran, with China appointing an ambassador in 2023. This regional engagement contrasts with the more cautious approach of Western powers who have maintained sanctions against the Taliban regime.
Some analysts suggest this policy shift may indicate a broader reevaluation of Russia’s approach to Islamist organizations. Deutsche Welle has reported that Putin might also consider delisting Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, following the deposition of Russian-supported Syrian dictator Bashar Assad. Such a move would facilitate potential business and diplomatic relations with the new Syrian leadership, suggesting that pragmatic geopolitical considerations may be taking precedence over ideological concerns in Russia’s approach to regional powers.
