ISLAMABAD: Russia’s Supreme Court has officially removed the Afghan Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, lifting the ban that had been in place since 2003.
According to a British news agency, the decision was made following a request from Russia’s Prosecutor General. As a result, the Taliban will no longer be considered a terrorist group under Russian law.
The move comes as relations between Moscow and Kabul continue to improve. Analysts believe the decision could pave the way for expanded bilateral cooperation and enhanced security collaboration.
The Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021, but no country has formally recognized their government to date. Nonetheless, Russia has maintained diplomatic contact with the group and, last year, President Vladimir Putin even referred to the Taliban as an “ally” in the fight against terrorism.
Russia views militant groups operating in Afghanistan and across the Middle East as serious security threats—especially following a deadly terrorist attack in March 2024, when gunmen stormed a concert hall near Moscow, killing 145 people. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State, and U.S. officials later reported intelligence indicating that ISIS-Khorasan, the Afghan branch of the group, was behind the assault.
The Taliban have stated that they are actively working to eliminate ISIS from Afghan soil. However, Western diplomats remain cautious and assert that the path to international recognition for the Taliban will remain blocked unless they revise their policies on women’s rights and other civil liberties.
