The group that seized power in Afghanistan in 2021 has been removed from Russia’s list of banned “terrorist” organizations.
The Russian Supreme Court has suspended the Taliban ban, which it had designated as a “terrorist organization” for more than 20 years. The latest move aims to normalize relations with the de facto ruler of Afghanistan.
According to Russian TASS News Agency, Judge Oleg Nefedov announced that Thursday’s ruling — prompted by a request from prosecutors — would be effective immediately.
The move in favor of the group that seized power in Afghanistan in 2021 continues its long-standing gradual reconciliation with Moscow despite a turbulent history dating back to the Afghan civil war of the 1990s.
Recently, shared security interests, including a fight with ISIL (ISIS) regional affiliate ISKP – attracted Russia and the Taliban more closely.
Last year, President Vladimir Putin described the Taliban as a “alliance” in its counterterrorism efforts, and envoys to Kabul announced plans to abolish the group.
Moscow, which has hosted Taliban officials in several forums in recent years, aims to use Afghanistan as a transport hub for gas exports to Southeast Asia.
“Moscow will continue its course on the development of political, trade and economic ties with Kabul,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in October last year.
Other Asian countries have improved relations with the Taliban in recent years, but no states have fully recognized it.
In 2023, Kazakhstan won a group that banned girls’ education and the restricted women’s movement from the list of “terrorist organizations.” Kyrgyzstan followed suits last year.
China, India, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iran are among the countries with embassies in Kabul, first being Beijing, which appointed an ambassador after the Taliban acquisition in 2023.
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