Russia removes Taliban from terrorist list in diplomatic shift

Russia suspends Taliban's terror label to strengthen ties with Afghanistan's de facto rulers.

Deputy Foreign Minister of the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, Amirkhan Muttaki, attends the Moscow Format meeting in Moscow, Russia, on October 4, 2024. Photo by Sefa Karacan/Anadolu

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Russia’s Supreme Court officially removed the Taliban from its list of designated terrorist organizations on Thursday, a move aimed at fostering closer relations with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers. The decision, widely seen as symbolic, reinforces Moscow’s ongoing strategy to position itself as a regional power broker and economic partner in Central Asia. This legal step comes nearly four years after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, following the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

The Taliban, previously listed as a terrorist organization since 2003 due to alleged support for separatists in Russia’s North Caucasus, is now being embraced diplomatically. Moscow no longer considers the group an enemy, and instead sees it as a useful ally in stabilizing the region and combating other threats, particularly from Islamic State–Khorasan (IS-K).

Building strategic alliances in the region

Supreme Court Judge Oleg Nefedov announced that the “previously established ban on the activities of the Taliban... has been suspended,” citing a formal request made last month by Russia's Prosecutor General. The decision took immediate effect and was reported by the TASS state news agency.

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been quietly expanding its outreach to the Taliban-led government, even as no official diplomatic recognition has been extended. The removal of the terrorist designation, however, eliminates a key legal barrier that had complicated bilateral dealings in areas ranging from trade to security.

The Taliban responded positively. Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi described the ruling as “a significant development in relations between Afghanistan and Russia,” during a meeting with Russia’s ambassador to Kabul, Dmitry Zhirnov.

From adversaries to allies

Russia’s attitude toward the Taliban has shifted dramatically over the past two decades. The group was formed in the early 1990s during the chaotic years of the Afghan Civil War, by former Mujahideen fighters who had battled Soviet troops during the 1980s. That war left deep scars on Soviet society and contributed to the eventual collapse of the USSR.

When the Taliban first rose to power in 1996, Russia maintained its opposition, later designating the group as a terrorist entity. But the situation changed after the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021, which Moscow publicly labeled a “failure.” Since then, Russia has recalibrated its approach, seeking to influence Afghanistan’s future from a position of engagement rather than exclusion.

Russia became one of the first countries to reestablish a business representative office in Kabul, showing clear signs of intent to invest in post-war Afghanistan. Plans are also underway to integrate Afghanistan into regional transit routes for gas exports destined for Southeast Asia.

Economic forums and quiet diplomacy

This shift has also been visible in Russia’s public diplomacy. Taliban delegations were invited to Russia’s major economic forums in Saint Petersburg in 2022 and again in 2024. In October 2024, the Taliban’s top diplomat held formal talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.

The removal of the terrorist label clears the path for more open diplomatic engagements and allows Russian officials to meet Taliban representatives without legal complications. Until now, such meetings created awkward optics, with Russian dignitaries interacting with individuals officially labeled as terrorists by their own judiciary.

A shared enemy in IS-K

A key driver of this rapprochement is the shared enemy both sides face: Islamic State–Khorasan (IS-K). The group has carried out deadly attacks in Afghanistan and Russia, most notably the Moscow concert hall bombing in March 2024 that killed 145 people. That attack underscored the urgency of counterterrorism cooperation.

In a speech last year, President Vladimir Putin described the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism,” signaling the Kremlin’s strategic realignment in the region. This language marked a sharp contrast from past decades of animosity and added momentum to the legal and political steps that culminated in this week’s court decision.

Seeking legitimacy without formal recognition

It’s important to note that the removal of the terrorist label does not equate to formal diplomatic recognition of the Taliban-led government. Like most other countries, Russia has stopped short of recognizing the regime officially. However, this legal shift allows Moscow to strengthen bilateral cooperation while avoiding the diplomatic pitfalls that formal recognition might bring.

For the Taliban, which continues to struggle for international legitimacy, the ruling is a welcome development. It could signal to other countries that establishing closer ties with Afghanistan does not necessarily require full recognition, opening the door for a more pragmatic approach from other regional players.

Parallel moves by other nations

Russia is not alone in softening its stance. Kazakhstan, another Central Asian nation with close ties to Moscow, removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations in 2024. China has taken even bolder steps, appointing an ambassador to Kabul in 2023 and significantly expanding its economic presence in Afghanistan.

These moves reflect a broader regional realignment. With Western influence in Afghanistan receding, countries like Russia, China, and Iran are filling the vacuum, each seeking to shape the country’s future in line with their strategic interests.

A balancing act for Moscow

While the ruling by Russia’s Supreme Court represents a clear break from the past, it also signals the Kremlin’s careful balancing act. Moscow remains wary of instability spilling over into Central Asia and its own borders, especially from extremist groups. Engaging the Taliban is seen as a pragmatic step toward managing those risks.

At the same time, Russia must navigate the optics of working closely with a regime that remains internationally controversial. No major Western nation has recognized the Taliban, citing concerns over human rights, women’s rights, and terrorism.

Nonetheless, the Kremlin appears to be betting that practical cooperation will outweigh the reputational risks—especially as its global alliances shift in the wake of sanctions and growing estrangement from the West.