By Dr. Masoumeh Mohammadi
International Relations Researcher
International Peace Studies Center – IPSC
Following the geopolitical developments in the region and the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, Russia has adopted a pragmatic and gradual policy toward the group. The removal of the Taliban from the list of terrorist organisations in April 2025, increased diplomatic interactions, security and economic cooperation, and efforts to mediate regional conflicts all indicate a shift in Moscow’s approach from confrontation to engagement with the Taliban.
The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 led to significant changes in the foreign policies of regional and extra-regional countries. Russia, considering its geopolitical and security interests, has adopted a cautious yet pragmatic approach toward the Taliban. This approach includes diplomatic interactions, security and economic cooperation, and efforts to solidify its position as a key player in regional dynamics.
Removal of the Taliban from the List of Terrorist Organisations
In April 2025, Russia’s Supreme Court, at the request of the Prosecutor General, removed the Taliban from the list of terrorist organisations. This move, after 22 years, marks a turning point in relations between Moscow and Kabul and paves the way for more formal interactions between the two sides. The Taliban described this decision as a “very important step” toward expanding diplomatic and economic relations with Russia. Despite the development of relations, Russia has not yet officially recognised the Taliban government. One of the main obstacles in this path is international concerns about human rights in Afghanistan, particularly the severe restrictions on women and girls. The Taliban have closed schools and universities to girls and imposed strict limitations on individual freedoms. These actions have led the international community, including the United Nations, to refrain from formally recognising the Taliban government.
Diplomatic and Political Interactions
Russia has maintained a high level of political engagement with the Taliban by keeping its embassy in Kabul and hosting Taliban delegations in Moscow. Zamir Kabulov, the Russian President’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, stated that relations between Moscow and Kabul are expanding and that the Taliban are not enemies of Russia. Additionally, Russia plans to establish a bilateral working group with the Taliban to facilitate economic and trade cooperation. In recent years, the Taliban have participated in international economic forums such as the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok and the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. These participations reflect the Taliban’s efforts to gain international legitimacy and develop economic relations. Russia, by hosting Taliban delegations, has unofficially strengthened its diplomatic ties with the group.
Security Cooperation and Combating Common Threats
Russia and the Taliban share common interests in fighting the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K). Zamir Kabulov announced that Russia is ready to assist the Taliban in combating this group, which it considers a common enemy. This cooperation reflects Russia’s desire to stabilise security in the region and prevent the spread of extremism to Central Asia. The deadly terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow in March 2024, which killed 145 people and was attributed to IS-K, heightened Russia’s security concerns. In response, Russia declared its readiness to cooperate with the Taliban to counter this shared threat. Kabulov emphasised that Russia supports the Taliban’s efforts against IS-K and is prepared to provide technical and intelligence assistance.
Economic Cooperation and Infrastructure Projects
Russia and the Taliban are developing economic cooperation, particularly in energy, mining, and transportation infrastructure. During a meeting between the Russian ambassador and Taliban officials, topics such as the rehabilitation of the Salang Tunnel, the construction of a new tunnel, and the development of railway lines were discussed. Economic relations between Russia and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are expanding. In 2024, Afghanistan became the largest importer of Russian flour, with imports worth $80 million—double the previous year’s amount. Afghanistan’s exports to Russia include chromite, rubies, and emeralds. The two countries have plans to increase bilateral trade volume to $3 billion by 2025 and $10 billion by 2030.
Russia’s Role as Mediator in Regional Conflicts
Given its geopolitical position, Russia seeks to play a mediating role in regional conflicts. Following heightened tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, the Russian ambassador to Pakistan announced that Moscow is ready to mediate disputes between Pakistan and the Taliban. This move demonstrates Russia’s desire to stabilise peace and security in the region.
Conclusion
Russia’s current approach to the Taliban reflects a shift from confrontation to engagement. The removal of the Taliban from the list of terrorist organisations, increased diplomatic interactions, security and economic cooperation, and efforts to mediate regional conflicts all indicate Moscow’s desire to solidify its position as a key player in regional and global dynamics. This approach, framed within the theories of defensive realism and neo-Eurasianism, aims to safeguard Russia’s national interests and strengthen its influence in the region.
References:
- AP News. (2025). Russia’s top court lifts terror group designation on Afghanistan’s Taliban.
- Reuters. (2025). Russia says it will help Taliban fight Islamic State in Afghanistan.
- Mashregh News. (2024). Kabulov: Relations between Russia and the Taliban are expanding.
- RFI Persian. (2024). Taliban: We have a “strong political will” to work with Russia for shared interests.
- Anadolu Agency. (2025). Moscow: A Russia-Taliban working group will be established.
- Afghanistan International. (2025). Russian ambassador: The Taliban cannot integrate into regional economic relations without Moscow’s help.
- Independent Persian. (2025). Taliban welcomes Russia’s move; Zabihullah Mujahid: Putin has the right policy toward Afghanistan.
- IRAF. (2025). Economic talks between Russia and the Taliban; From Salang Tunnel reconstruction to railway development.
- Tasnim. (2025). Russia announces readiness to mediate between the Taliban and Pakistan.