Russia Becomes First Nation to Officially Recognize Taliban Government in Afghanistan

Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan by accepting the credentials of a new Afghan ambassador, becoming the first country to do so. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated this move aims to boost bilateral cooperation. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi praised the decision. Since the Taliban seized power in 2021 after U.S. troops withdrew, Russia has steadily built ties, viewing the group as a regional partner against terrorism. Despite previous hostility, Russia now sees the Taliban as a political reality and is leveraging the relationship for economic and strategic benefits, including plans for energy transit routes.