Moscow Recognizes the Taliban: When Realpolitik Prevails Over Rights

Translated by Federico Emanuele

On Thursday, July 3, 2925, Vladimir Putin's Russia became the first country in the world to

recognize the Taliban regime, in power in Afghanistan since 2021, as legitimate. This was announced by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, after a meeting in Kabul with Russian ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov. The move marks a strategic approach between Moscow and Kabul, explained by a mix of reasons: from economic coperation to the common fight against ISIS-K, even Russia's international isolation following the invasion of Ukraine.

Afghanistan was first governed by Taliban from1996 to 2001, before being overthrown by the U.S. military intervention following the September 11 attacks. In August 2021 Taliban returned to power after the rapid collapse of the Afghan security forces, reinstating a regime based on a strict interpretation of Sharia and sistematically repressing civil rights and individual freedoms, especially for women.

Despite the lack of formal recognition until now, Russia had already mantained open relations with the new Taliban government: Afghan delegations partecipated in the St. Petersburg Economic Forum in 2022 and 2024, and Putin himself called them «allies in the fight against terrorism». In 2003, Moscow had classified Taliban as a terrorist organization for their support of Caucasus separatists, but in recent years, security priorities have shifted: today, Moscow and Kabul share a common enemy — ISIS-K, the Afghan branch of the Islamic State, responsible for the attack on Moscow's Crocus City Hall in March 2024.

ISIS-K: Who They Are and Why They Matter

ISIS-K (Islamic State – Khorasan Province) is the ISIS branch active in Afghanistan and Pakistan, formed in 2015 by former Taliban militants and jihadists who split from Al-Qaeda. In recent years, the group has strengthened its presence in eastern Afghan provinces, exploiting internal divisions within the Taliban and the weakness of state control. Their attacks, often spectacular and targeting civilians, religious authorities, and Russian interests, have made ISIS-K a common enemy for Moscow and Kabul. The attack on the Crocus City Hall prompted the Kremlin to accelerate the normalization of relations with the Taliban, now seen as a necessary bulwark against the jihadist threat along the Central Asian border.

A Historical Interplay of Interests

The history of relations between Moscow and Kabul is complex and cyclical. In 1979, Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan to establish a communist government, becoming embroiled in a decade-long conflict against the mujahideen, which ultimately contributed to the USSR's decline. Many future Taliban leaders fought in those Islamic resistance ranks. Today, paradoxically, Russia recognizes as legitimate a regime initially born to repel Soviet influence.

Meanwhile, Moscow has never fully closed the door to Kabul: after the Taliban took power, Russia was among the first countries to reopen its embassy, positioning itself to exploit economic and logistical opportunities. In May 2025, it hosted a forum on infrastructure corridors, such as the Trans-Afghan Railway, which could open new routes to South Asia, partially bypassing Western sanctions.

Three Key Perspectives

Moscow's decision can be interpreted through three perspectives. The first is regional: maintaining a direct line with Kabul helps contain ISIS-K's influence and reduce the risk of instability and illicit activities spreading to the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. The second is economic: Russia aims to control energy and logistical corridors through Afghanistan while contending with growing Chinese penetration. The third is ideological: recognition signals a challenge to the West. Russia shows it no longer ties legitimacy to democracy and rights but to maintaining order and countering common threats. Brussels quickly criticized the move, calling it a blow to efforts for inclusive and sustainable peace. Governments and NGOs continue to denounce the situation of Afghan women: from the closure of secondary schools and universities to bans on movement without a male escort, to the so-called "morality police" overseeing dress codes and behavior.

The Shadow of Beijing

After the U.S. withdrawal, Beijing forged ties with the Taliban regime to secure direct access to strategic resources: copper, rare earths, and lithium. Chinese investments in Mes Aynak, one of the world's richest copper deposits, and Afghanistan's integration into the Belt and Road Initiative make Kabul a key player in Eurasian connectivity strategy. Cooperation with the Taliban allows China to maintain stability along the Xinjiang border, fearing jihadist infiltrations could fuel Uighur separatism. For Moscow, China's presence is both a necessary partner and a rival, in an area Russia considers part of its historical sphere of influence.

Open Scenarios

Moscow's gesture breaks a taboo that had so far prevented other countries from officially recognizing the Taliban. Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia already have de facto relations with Kabul, but Russia's green light could trigger a domino effect: stability and national interests may once again prevail over human rights conditions.

For the analyst community, Afghanistan is now a crossroads of contradictions: a regime that represses rights but ensures control, an uncomfortable yet functional partner, a contested ground for powers seeking corridors and spheres of influence. Moscow has made the first move, but the game is far from over. The question is not only who will be next to normalize the Taliban, but what new power compromises we will accept in the name of stability.

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