Current Affairs - International - Discussion

On July 3, 2025, Russia officially recognised the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group's return to power in 2021. The Russian Foreign Ministry removed the Taliban from its list of banned organisations and formally accepted the credentials of the Taliban-appointed Afghan ambassador. This move is significant not only because Russia is a major global power and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, but also because it may influence other countries’ foreign policies towards Afghanistan. The decision reflects a strategic choice to engage with the current power structure in Afghanistan based on realpolitik considerations.