Russia sees potential cooperation with Taliban

Russia has removed the jihadist Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations. This decision was made by the Russian Supreme Court on Thursday. Moreover, Moscow also aims to improve relations with the internationally isolated Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban overthrew the US-backed government in Afghanistan in August 2021, Russia has taken small steps towards the Taliban. While the Taliban have been on the Russian list of terror organisations since 2003, this decision marks a change. And it doesn’t stop there.

The Russian President Vladimir Putin regards the current Afghan rulers as potential economic partners. He has even called the Taliban “an ally in the fight against terrorism”. However, the Russian decision does not yet imply official recognition of the Taliban regime. Nonetheless, the diplomatic relations between the two countries are being intensified.

(SR - Source: ANP - Image credit: ©Unsplash)