In a historic and controversial move, Russia has become the first nation to officially recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The announcement was met with cautious optimism on the streets of Kabul,

Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. In a statement on July 3, 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow saw strong prospects for developing ties and would continue to support Kabul in areas such as security and counterterrorism.

Russia has become the first country to formally recognise Taliban rule, with Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a "courageous" decision.