Russia plans to remove the Taliban from its terrorist list, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations. The move comes as Moscow strengthens ties with the Taliban amidst global security challenges.
Russia
In a significant shift in policy, Russia is set to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, as announced by the Russian envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kamulov, on Friday.
This decision comes as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between Moscow and the Taliban following the latter’s rise to power in Afghanistan after the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2021.
Kamulov revealed that the Federal Security Service and other agencies are finalizing the legal processes necessary for this designation change.
“The Russian leadership has already made a principal decision on this,” he stated, emphasizing that the transition will adhere to Russian legal protocols.
Russia has designated the Taliban as a terrorist group since 2003, but recent years have seen Moscow develop closer ties with the group.
The announcement coincided with a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
During this discussion, Lavrov criticized the United States for its continued sanctions and for holding onto Afghanistan’s national assets, calling on Western countries to take responsibility for the country’s reconstruction efforts.
Lavrov commended the Taliban’s actions against drug trafficking and its efforts to combat the Islamic State.
He pledged ongoing humanitarian support from Russia, including food and supplies, to the Taliban-led government.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously referred to the Taliban as a “trusted ally,” indicating a strategic partnership aimed at countering the threat posed by groups like ISIS, particularly after an attack claimed by ISIS-K in Moscow that resulted in over 130 fatalities.
The removal of the Taliban from Russia’s terrorist list reflects broader geopolitical changes and Russia’s evolving strategy in Afghanistan as it navigates new alliances in the face of global security challenges.
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