International politics: Russia is the first state to recognize the Taliban government

Russia has become the first country in the world to officially recognize the government of the radical Islamic Taliban in Afghanistan . Moscow has accepted the credentials of a new Afghan ambassador, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday. There are good prospects for developing relations. Russia will continue to support the government in Kabul in the areas of security, counterterrorism, and drug-related crime.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki stated: "We appreciate this courageous step by Russia, and, God willing, it will serve as an example to others as well." The Taliban Foreign Ministry, on the online platform X, called it a "historic step" for relations between the two countries. The Islamists stated that Russia is setting a good example for other states.

Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban have faced international criticism, primarily for the massive curtailment of women's rights, and are considered largely isolated. However, neighboring countries, in particular, have adopted a more pragmatic approach to the Islamists. So far, no other country has formally recognized the Taliban government since it seized power in August 2021. China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan, and Pakistan have sent ambassadors to Kabul, which is seen as a step toward recognition.

Russia has recently gradually expanded its relations with the Taliban. President Vladimir Putin described the Islamists as allies in the fight against terrorism last year. Afghanistan has been importing natural gas, oil, and wheat from Russia since 2022. The government in Moscow sees itself as threatened by Islamist groups in various regions, which is another reason for cooperation with the government in Kabul.

Relations between Russia and Afghanistan have a turbulent and often bloody history. Soviet troops invaded the country in 1979 to prop up a communist government. However, they became embroiled in a long war against US-armed Mujahideen fighters. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev withdrew the army in 1989. By then, approximately 15,000 Soviet soldiers had been killed.