In a move that’s raised eyebrows globally, Russia has officially removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations—ending a classification that had stood for more than 20 years.
The decision comes as Russia shifts its diplomatic stance amid changing geopolitical realities in Central Asia.
Supreme Court Greenlights the Delisting
The decision was handed down by Russia’s Supreme Court after a request from the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Judge Oleg Nefyodov confirmed that the ruling is to be enforced immediately.
However, much of the court process took place behind closed doors, and journalists were only present for the final announcement—so many of the legal details remain under wraps.
This marks the first time an organization has been officially removed from the list under newly amended Russian counterterrorism laws.
These legal changes now allow a group to be delisted if a court finds that it no longer supports or carries out terrorist activities.
Why the Taliban Was Labeled a Terrorist Group
Back in 2003, the Taliban was added to Russia’s list of banned terrorist organizations.
At the time, the group was accused of aiding armed militants in Chechnya and attempting to spread extremist influence across Central Asia, including in countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Russia’s original court documents even cited the Taliban’s ties to Osama bin Laden.
The Taliban’s Return to Power and International Reactions
Everything changed in August 2021, when the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan following the U.S. military withdrawal.
They rebranded the country as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and promised to uphold human rights under Sharia law—a pledge met with deep skepticism around the world.
Russia and other countries, while not officially recognizing the Taliban-led government, began opening communication channels.
Russia has repeatedly stated it wants an inclusive government in Kabul—one that includes non-Taliban members—and expects the Taliban to respect basic human rights.
Despite the lack of formal recognition, diplomatic talks have continued.
A Regional Trend Emerges
Russia’s decision isn’t entirely out of the blue. Other neighboring countries have made similar moves.
Kazakhstan delisted the Taliban in 2023, and Kyrgyzstan followed suit in 2024.
These shifts suggest a regional push toward engaging with the group as the de facto rulers of Afghanistan.
Putin Weighs In on Future Relations
Back in May 2024, both Russia’s Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Justice proposed the Taliban’s removal from the banned list, arguing that they now govern the whole of Afghanistan.
President Vladimir Putin commented on the matter, saying it’s clear that Russia needs to figure out how to build a relationship with Kabul—even while acknowledging that Afghanistan still has “obvious problems.”
What’s Changed in the Law?
The legal shift that allowed this decision stems from amendments made to Russia’s federal law on combating terrorism.
The new provisions allow for a ban to be lifted if a court confirms that the group has genuinely ceased any association with terrorism.
This change was introduced to plug a gap in existing laws, offering a mechanism for review and reevaluation based on current realities.
A Quick Look at Afghanistan Today
Afghanistan, officially known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is a landlocked nation straddling Central and South Asia.
It borders countries including Pakistan, Iran, and China. With a rugged terrain dominated by the Hindu Kush mountains and an estimated population between 36 and 50 million, its capital city is Kabul.