The Russian government, headed by President Vladimir Putin, has decided to remove the Taliban from its list of prohibited terrorist organizations, as reported by the state-run news agency. This development occurs three years after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, which has been embroiled in conflict. Since 2003, Russia has designated the Taliban as a terrorist organization. On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted as saying, “Kazakhstan recently made the decision, which we will also make, to remove them from the list of terrorist organizations.” Kazakhstan had removed the Taliban from its list of banned groups by the end of 2023. Despite international sanctions against the Taliban, Russia has expanded its ties with the group’s government in Afghanistan. Moscow has also held multiple rounds of negotiations and increased trade with Kabul. Russia, however, has not yet officially acknowledged the Taliban government in Afghanistan. According to the state news agency, Zamir Kabulov, director of the Russian foreign ministry’s Second Asia Department, stated that the Russian foreign and justice ministries had submitted a report to President Putin on the matter of revoking the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist organization. This most recent action taken by Russia might improve diplomatic relations between Moscow and Kabul. Lavrov stated that Russia’s decision acknowledged the ground realities, according to. They constitute the true power. Afghanistan is not a subject to which we are indifferent. And most importantly, our Central Asian allies are not indifferent,” he added. The state media stated that Moscow had also extended an invitation to Taliban representatives to attend its prominent Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, which was once regarded as the foundation of Russia’s economic ties with the West. The Russian economic event is scheduled to take place from June 5 to June 8. Kabulov also mentioned that Afghan leaders had historically expressed interest in purchasing oil products, as reported by. In 2021, the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan after U.S.-led forces left the country after a 20-year conflict.
Russia to Remove Taliban from Terrorist List, Boosts Diplomacy with Kabul
