Russian Expert: Moscow Aims to Prevent U.S. Return and Reasserts Recognition of Taliban in Afghanistan

Kokcha News Agency reports that Andrei Sernko, head of the analytical center of the Russian Society of Political Scientists, emphasized that Russia’s recognition of the Taliban government in July 2025 was a strategic move to restrict U.S. influence in Afghanistan and maintain Moscow’s control over regional affairs. Sernko noted that Russia was the first country to officially recognize the Taliban regime, fulfilling a key diplomatic goal set amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

According to him, one of the core problems for the Taliban during their nearly four years in power was the lack of legitimate international recognition. Sernko highlighted that the Taliban came to power through armed conquest and negotiations with the U.S., but without acknowledgment of their government’s diplomatic status, which left them externally illegitimate.

He pointed out that, even before Russia’s formal recognition, Taliban leaders were aware of Moscow’s acceptance, running public celebrations and gunfire in their honor. Interestingly, the Afghan government learned about Russia’s recognition earlier than Russian citizens, underscoring Moscow’s swift diplomatic maneuvers.

Sernko further explained that U.S.-Afghan cooperation under Taliban rule was covert and lacked formal diplomatic recognition, but Russia sought to outpace Washington in supporting the Taliban politically. By recognizing the Taliban, Moscow aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including security, trade, and infrastructure.

On July 12, 2025, Russia accepted the credentials of Afghanistan’s new ambassador in Moscow, becoming the first country to recognize the Taliban government officially. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that this move would accelerate constructive bilateral relations.

Previously, in April 2024, Russia’s Supreme Court suspended the Taliban’s terror designation after removing them from the list of banned terrorist groups. The Afghan ambassador in Moscow, Mawlavi Gul Hassan, officially started his diplomatic duties with a formal reception.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing contacts with Afghanistan at various levels but stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not plan to have direct communications with the Taliban authorities at this time.