Russia shocks world by removing Taliban from terror list — Here's why

In a significant policy change, Russia has officially removed the Taliban from its list of designated terrorist organizations, a classification that had been in place since 2003. This move, announced after a closed session of the Russian Supreme Court on April 17, marks a calculated effort by the Kremlin to deepen its relationship with Afghanistan’s ruling power and strengthen its geopolitical influence in the region.

The decision follows a formal petition by Russia’s Prosecutor General and is supported by a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin in late 2024, allowing for such reclassifications. While the move stops short of full diplomatic recognition of the Taliban government, it clears the way for formal agreements, trade, and increased cooperation in security and counterterrorism — particularly in efforts to combat the Islamic State's Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), which has launched deadly attacks in both Russia and Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, no country has formally recognized their government. However, Russia has been gradually building relations with the group. Taliban representatives have visited Moscow numerous times and were welcomed at high-level economic and diplomatic events, including the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2022 and 2024. Despite this unofficial engagement, Russian law previously mandated the arrest of any Taliban member entering the country. That restriction has now been lifted.

The Taliban’s removal from the terror list is being interpreted as both a practical and symbolic step, enabling more open interaction without legal contradictions. Russian officials have acknowledged the need to cooperate with Afghanistan’s current rulers to address shared regional threats, particularly from jihadist groups operating in Central Asia and the Middle East.

Russia’s foreign ministry stated that the country is aiming to “build mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan,” particularly in the areas of drug control, regional stability, and counterterrorism. This realignment comes as other regional powers — including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan — have also dropped the Taliban’s terrorist designation in pursuit of regional integration.

While this development marks a significant diplomatic win for the Taliban, it also underscores Russia’s shifting strategic priorities and willingness to reshape alliances in pursuit of security and economic interests. Despite the Taliban’s continued human rights violations, particularly against women and girls, Moscow appears to be prioritizing stability and pragmatic engagement in a region fraught with volatility.