Russia Moves to Recognize Taliban, Removes from Banned List

Dec 10, 2024, 02:36 PM

The Russian State Duma has taken a significant step towards recognizing the Taliban government by passing legislation in its first reading that would remove the group from Russia's list of banned organizations. This legislative move comes amidst Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's defense of Moscow's ties with the Taliban, stating that the group is not designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations. The bill, if fully enacted, would enable Russian courts to temporarily suspend terrorism designations, potentially paving the way for formal recognition of the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan.