Overview

• On July 3, Moscow formally accepted credentials of Taliban-appointed ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan, marking the first diplomatic recognition of the group since 2021.
• Russia’s Supreme Court removed the Taliban from its terrorist list in April, clearing the legal barrier to full governmental ties.
• The Foreign Ministry said official recognition will drive bilateral projects across energy, transport, agriculture and counter-terrorism.
• Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi called the decision a “new phase of mutual respect and constructive engagement.”
• The move underscores Moscow’s bid to bolster its influence in Central and South Asia as other countries consider their positions on the Taliban administration.