MOSCOW — Russia is considering its own interests in potentially removing the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations, according to Dmitry Zhirnov, the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan.
Speaking to TASS news agency, Ambassador Zhirnov noted that the Taliban is not classified as a terrorist organization in every country within the region. “Each state proceeds from its own motives and the specifics of its relations with Afghanistan,” he said.
Zhirnov highlighted ongoing cooperation between Moscow and Kabul, particularly in the supply of oil products. “Such cooperation is already developing at full speed,” he emphasized, referencing Afghan authorities’ intentions to establish broader cooperation with Russia in food security and oil supplies.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has surged, driven largely by Russia’s exports of wheat, flour, fuel, and lubricants such as gasoline, motor oils, and kerosene, Zhirnov noted.
The ambassador also revealed that private Afghan airlines are exploring the possibility of launching direct flights to Russia. “Private Afghan air carrier KamAir is showing interest in launching flights,” he said, adding that Russia would assist if necessary. Currently, Ariana, the Afghan state airline, operates weekly flights between Kabul and Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special presidential envoy for Afghanistan, previously stated that the Russian Foreign and Justice Ministries had briefed President Vladimir Putin on the possibility of removing the Taliban from the list of banned organizations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov subsequently argued that the proposal reflects an objective reality.
