Overview

• Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has formally petitioned the Supreme Court to suspend the Taliban's terrorist designation, originally imposed in 2003.
• The Supreme Court has scheduled a closed-door hearing on the matter for April 17, marking a significant step in Russia's evolving relationship with the Taliban.
• In December 2024, Russia passed a law allowing the temporary suspension of terrorist designations for groups deemed to have ceased terror-related activities.
• President Vladimir Putin has referred to the Taliban as a 'trusted ally' in combating IS-K, which claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in Moscow in 2024.
• This move reflects Russia's strategic priorities, including countering IS-K, strengthening regional alliances, and addressing its geopolitical isolation.