Russia has announced its decision to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations.
This move comes three years after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and follows Kazakhstan’s similar decision to delist the group.
According to Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the decision was made after considering the local circumstances and the fact that the Taliban are the “real power” in Afghanistan. Lavrov emphasized that Russia is not indifferent to Afghanistan and that its allies in Central Asia are also concerned about the situation.
Russia has a long history of fostering relations with the Taliban, engaging in multiple rounds of talks and boosting trade with Afghanistan despite international sanctions. In 2018, the US commander of forces in Afghanistan accused Russia of arming the Taliban, which Moscow denied at the time.
The removal of the Taliban from Russia’s list of terrorist organizations does not amount to an official recognition of the Taliban administration or the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.” However, it may further strengthen diplomatic relations between Russia and Afghanistan.
It is worth noting that Russia has classified the Taliban as a terrorist organization since 2003. Moscow’s decision to remove the group from its list comes as it extends an invitation to Taliban delegates to attend the prestigious Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, a significant development in their diplomatic relations.
