Vladimir Putin officially removes Taliban from terrorist groups list: Report

Russia removes Taliban from terrorist list: Russia has decided to remove the Taliban from its official list of terrorist organizations, a move that could significantly reshape its relationship with the Afghan rulers. According to a report by the state-owned TASS news agency, the decision has been made "at the highest level," as confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday. The Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the U.S.-led forces' withdrawal after two decades of war, has remained officially outlawed in Russia since 2003.

Legal procedures still pending

Zamir Kabulov, President Vladimir Putin's special representative on Afghanistan, emphasized that while the decision has been made, it still requires a series of legal formalities to be completed before it can be fully implemented. "Various legal procedures need to be followed up to make this decision a reality," Kabulov stated.

This legal adjustment is expected to pave the way for stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Moscow and Kabul under the Taliban's rule, despite the group's past classification as a terrorist entity.

Taliban as an ally against terrorism

In July, President Putin made clear that Russia considers the Taliban a potential ally in its broader fight against terrorism, signaling a shift in Moscow’s approach toward the group. This evolving relationship follows Russia's gradual engagement with the Taliban since they seized power, despite their official status as a banned organization.

How has Russia looked at the Taliban in history?

Russia initially designated the Taliban as a terrorist group in 2003, during the height of the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan. However, the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly, and Moscow's recent moves indicate a willingness to adapt to new realities in Afghanistan following the exit of Western military forces.