Russia will not obstruct the process of removing the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist organization, a move that could enhance Moscow’s engagement with Afghanistan, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said in an interview with the Russian news agency TASS.
“The expected completion of legal procedures to remove the terrorist organization’s status from the Taliban Movement will provide a positive impetus to Russian-Afghan interaction across various sectors, particularly in the economy,” Mr. Rudenko said.
Gradual approach to recognition
Mr. Rudenko emphasized that official recognition of the Taliban-led government remains premature.
“It is too early to talk about official recognition of the current Afghan authorities,” he said. “Let’s act gradually, step by step. But we do not intend to artificially impede the process.”
The deputy foreign minister noted that Russia is actively working to establish practical cooperation with Afghanistan’s authorities on issues of mutual interest, although he did not elaborate on specific areas of collaboration.
The Taliban, who seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, remain designated as a terrorist organization in Russia, a status that complicates formal diplomatic relations.
While Moscow has hosted Taliban representatives for talks in the past, it has yet to extend formal recognition to the group as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.
Observers see the potential removal of the terrorist designation as a step toward strengthening ties between Moscow and Kabul, particularly in economic and trade relations. However, concerns about the Taliban’s governance and human rights record remain obstacles to broader international recognition.
