In a landmark move with sweeping implications for human rights and diplomacy, Russia has officially recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. The announcements, made by the Russian and the Taliban Foreign Ministries on Thursday, July 3, mark the first time a major global power has extended formal recognition to the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021.
While over a dozen countries — including China, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan — have maintained diplomatic relations with the Taliban, none had previously taken the step of formal recognition. Russia’s decision signals a dramatic shift in its regional policy and is expected to trigger a domino effect, encouraging others to follow suit.
A Major Blow to Human Rights and Women’s Freedoms in Afghanistan and Around the World
The move has provoked widespread alarm among human rights advocates and Afghan civil society, particularly women who have lived under Taliban-imposed gender apartheid for nearly four years.
Since 2021, the Taliban has issued nearly 150 edicts that ban girls from attending school beyond age 10 and some places, 12. Women are prohibited from most forms of employment, and outlawed their participation in all aspects of public life is outlawed (with a few exceptions. Women are not allowed to gather, speak publicly, or move freely without a male guardian.
The Feminist Majority Foundation expressed its profound dismay, calling it:
“A devastating day for Afghan women and a grave setback for human rights and freedoms. This recognition legitimizes the Taliban’s brutal system of gender apartheid, empowers the Taliban’s campaign of oppression against more than half the Afghan population, and sends a dangerous message that repression can be rewarded with international legitimacy. It will only embolden the Taliban to escalate their restrictions and further silence the voices of women, girls, and all those resisting their brutal regime.”
Strategic Shift Framed as Pragmatism
Russian officials described the move as a pragmatic decision, citing Afghanistan’s “significant prospects for cooperation in trade and economic areas, with an emphasis on projects in the field of energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry also stated its intention “to assist Kabul in strengthening regional security and combating the threats of terrorism and drug crimes. Deepening education, sports, culture, and humanitarian ties is valuable for strengthening the friendship of our peoples.”
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Russia has hosted Taliban delegations, engaged in trade talks, and even supplied Afghanistan with food and energy. In April 2025, Russia removed the Taliban from its terrorist list. The formal recognition now opens the door to expanded cooperation, including investment, resource development, and broader geopolitical coordination.
Emboldens Countries in the Region
Russia’s recognition of the Taliban regime also emboldens other countries to formalize ties with the Taliban. Many of these governments have economic and security interests in Afghanistan.
By breaking the international stalemate on recognition, Russia may also weaken the broader global consensus on conditioning engagement with the Taliban on improvements in human rights and inclusivity. The move risks ushering in a new phase of diplomatic normalization where economic interests override basic human dignity.
Afghan Women Left in the Shadows – Again
Russia’s decision marks not just a turning point for Afghanistan, but also for the international community’s ethical stance and its responsibility towards Afghanistan. For Afghan women—already stripped of their rights, voices, and futures—it is a bitter reminder that their struggle for freedom may be abandoned in the pursuit of political and economic interests.
Sources: Reuters; Tass
