RASC News Agency: Andrey Rudenko, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, has stated that Moscow has yet to make a decision regarding the formal recognition of the Taliban. According to a report by TASS News Agency on Sunday, November 24, Rudenko indicated that efforts are underway to remove the Taliban from Russia’s official list of “terrorist groups.” He underscored that the legal delisting of the Taliban could create a positive foundation for Russia’s engagement with the group, particularly in economic cooperation.
Rudenko elaborated, “It remains too early to deliberate on the formal recognition of the Taliban. We must proceed gradually and step by step, ensuring no artificial disruption of ongoing processes.” He also noted that Moscow is currently taking measured steps to establish channels for engagement with the Taliban on bilateral matters. This statement aligns with remarks made several months ago by Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy to Afghanistan, who claimed that Moscow would soon remove the Taliban from its list of “terrorist organizations.” While Russia has not yet recognized the Taliban, it has maintained consistent and constructive relations with the group over the past three years.
Analysts suggest that Russia harbors profound concerns about the Taliban’s strategic ambitions in Central Asia. Observers note that Moscow is particularly wary of the group’s future objectives and their implications for regional security and stability. Experts in regional studies argue that Russia is fully aware that the Taliban operates as an intelligence-driven project initiated by the United States, designed to disrupt regional stability and order. They contend that the Taliban is sustained through financial, political, and logistical support from international intelligence networks, perpetuating instability in Afghanistan and threatening the broader region.
