Russia becomes first country to recognise Afghanistan’s current regime

Russia has officially acknowledged Afghanistan’s current administration by accepting the diplomatic credentials of the newly appointed Afghan ambassador. With this step, Moscow becomes the first country to formally recognise the government in Kabul since its return to power in August 2021.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that this recognition is expected to “accelerate the process of strengthening constructive bilateral cooperation across various fields.”

While several nations have permitted representatives of Afghanistan’s de facto rulers to manage embassy affairs, they have yet to extend formal recognition to the current regime.

Late last year, the Russian parliament passed legislation removing the Afghan Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organisations, paving the way for this week’s official recognition.

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Russia’s move comes despite continued criticism from Western governments, who maintain that formal diplomatic recognition is off the table unless Afghanistan’s rulers improve human rights conditions, especially for women.

Since retaking power, the Afghan government has enforced sweeping restrictions on women and girls, barring them from education, employment, and public life unless accompanied by a male guardian (mahram).

Although global engagement with Afghanistan's leadership has increased in some areas, Russia is now the first state to formally establish diplomatic ties at this level since 2021.