Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban as the ruling government of Afghanistan on July 3, Russia's Foreign Ministry announced.
The Taliban, an Islamist militant group, seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, toppling the Western-backed government.
Russian state media outlet TASS reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin made the final decision based on advice from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
In recent years, Moscow has expanded engagement with the Taliban, deepening trade ties and investing in Afghan infrastructure.
The Taliban also regularly participates in Russian economic and educational forums.
Putin has previously referred to the Taliban as "allies," while Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called them "sane people.".
The Taliban, however, continues to enforce strict Islamic law, banning women from education, restricting social interactions, and carrying out the public stoning of women to death. »