Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted the credentials of the Taliban ambassador to Moscow on Thursday, formalising the envoy’s diplomatic status in a move that comes months after Russia recognized the Taliban administration in Afghanistan.
Russia’s state news agency TASS reported that Putin received the credentials during an official ceremony at the Kremlin attended by dozens of foreign diplomats. Gul Hassan presented his papers as ambassador of what the Taliban call the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan”.
The ceremony, held in the Alexander Hall of the Kremlin Palace, included the presentation of credentials by 34 newly appointed ambassadors from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, TASS said. It marked Russia’s first such formal diplomatic ceremony of 2026.
Russia became the first and so far only country to formally recognise the Taliban rule in Afghanistan in April 2024, nearly four years after they returned to power following the withdrawal of US-led foreign forces.
Most countries have kept their embassies in Kabul operating at a technical level but have stopped short of recognising the Taliban administration, citing concerns over human rights, particularly restrictions on women and girls, and the absence of an inclusive political process.
Moscow has said engagement with the Taliban is necessary to ensure regional stability and counter security threats such as terrorism and drug trafficking emanating from Afghanistan.
