Russia Recognizes the Taliban. What are the goals?

Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban’s interim government in Afghanistan. On July 3, Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi shared a photo of himself with Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov on Twitter, calling Russia’s move a “bold decision.” This confirms a long-anticipated shift. Russia has not only reaffirmed diplomatic ties but also opened the door to new geopolitical opportunities.

Nearly four years after the Taliban returned to power, this marks the first time a major world power has gone beyond informal engagement and officially recognized the rulers in Kabul as legitimate partners.

From danger to partner

On July 1, Taliban Ambassador Gul Hassan presented a copy of his credentials to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko. Two days later, Moscow officially announced its decision:

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is now recognized diplomatically, politically, and symbolically.”

This was a long-awaited follow-up to a key decision in April, when Russia removed the Taliban—designated a terrorist organization since 2003—from its list of national terrorist groups. The Foreign Ministry described the move as a pragmatic step toward enhancing security, economic dialogue, and regional stability.

“They are a real force. Afghanistan is not indifferent to us. And this is especially important for our allies in Central Asia. So this process reflects an understanding of reality,” said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

The Taliban welcomed the recognition as a catalyst for broader international legitimacy. While Western countries have maintained informal ties, none had previously taken this formal step.

This is not Russia’s first diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan. The Russian embassy continued operating even after Western diplomats were evacuated in 2021. Much earlier, Soviet troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989 following a decade-long war against the Mujahideen, the roots of today’s Taliban. In this context, Moscow’s current decision represents a different approach rather than an entirely new one.

For Russia, recognizing the Taliban is not merely a diplomatic gesture—it is primarily a security strategy. With formal channels now open, Moscow has the opportunity to press the Taliban on critical issues, such as restraining extremist groups and maintaining influence in Central Asia.

Concerns about extremist groups are not theoretical. The devastating terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow in March 2024 profoundly impacted Russia. While Ukraine was initially blamed, attention later turned to the suspected involvement of ISIS-Khorasan, which views Russia as a hostile target.

This event altered the Kremlin’s calculations. Despite the risks, cooperation with the Taliban became a strategic necessity. In fact, in 2024, President Vladimir Putin referred to the Taliban as an “ally” in the fight against terrorism—a clear sign that Moscow now sees them as part of the solution, not the problem.

From diplomacy to trade

Recognition brings access—and Afghanistan is resource-rich. With lithium, rare earth elements, and vast untapped mineral reserves, the country has become a focal point of global economic interest. With formal ties in place, Russian companies can now enter the Afghan market with legal protections and diplomatic support.

It’s not just about minerals—trade is also expanding. Russian goods are reaching Afghan markets, while Afghan agricultural products such as dried fruits and medicinal herbs are being sold in Russian stores. According to the "Financial Times", while many countries remain cautious, Moscow is quietly developing a new trade corridor.

Afghanistan’s strategic location at the crossroads of Central and South Asia positions it as a land bridge to Pakistan, India, and the Indian Ocean. For Russia, this is both a geopolitical and logistical opportunity. In an era of sanctions and shifting global trade routes, every new corridor counts.

Strengthening regional influence

For the United States and other Western powers, the Taliban remains officially unrecognized, though informal communication continues. Could Russia’s move lead to new sanctions from the U.S. or European Union? According to political analyst Farkhod Ibragimov, this is possible. However, with Russia already under extensive sanctions, the impact is expected to be limited.

“Instead, recognition gives Moscow ‘first mover’ status in both Kabul and the broader region. This is backed not only by gas and arms but also by historical memory—Russia is still seen in Central Asia as a former guarantor of security and stability. That trust is now returning to the negotiating table,” Ibragimov explains.

Russia previously brokered peace between warring parties in Tajikistan in 1997, ending a bloody civil war. Now, it seeks a similar role. In the tense relationship between the Taliban and the Tajik government, Russia is positioned to mediate as a trusted power with deep-rooted ties to regional security structures. Likewise, Moscow’s involvement could be significant in reducing tensions between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.

“The biggest goal is energy. Through its initial economic engagement in Kabul and its long-standing vision of a Eurasian energy corridor, Moscow is now viewing Afghanistan not just as a threat, but as a bridge to be built,” writes Ibragimov.