Russia has decided ‘at highest level’ to remove Taliban from terrorist list
In a significant diplomatic shift, Russia has announced its intention to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations. Zamir Kabulov, the Special Envoy of the President of the Russian Federation on Afghanistan, revealed on October 5 that the decision has already been made “at the highest level.” However, he noted that various legal procedures still need to be completed before the Taliban can officially be delisted.
Speaking to state media, Kabulov stated, “A principal decision on this has already been made by the Russian leadership. But the process should be carried out within the Russian legal framework.” He expressed optimism that the final decision would be announced soon.
Russia’s diplomatic relations with the Taliban have evolved since the withdrawal of U.S.-led Western troops from Afghanistan in 2021. In May 2024, reports indicated that the Russian foreign and justice ministries had advised President Vladimir Putin to consider removing the Taliban from the terrorist list. By July, Putin publicly stated that Russia views the Taliban as an ally in combating terrorist threats.
Kabulov emphasized that for the Taliban to be recognised officially by Russia, its removal from the terrorist list is a necessary step. He acknowledged that while progress has been made, there are still challenges that need to be addressed.
On the same day, Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, urged Western countries to lift sanctions imposed on the Taliban-led government and to assume responsibility for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Lavrov stated, “We urge Western countries to recognize their responsibility for the post-conflict reconstruction of Afghanistan, lift sanctions restrictions and return Kabul’s expropriated assets.”
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The Taliban has been under Western sanctions for over two decades, primarily aimed at limiting the financing of al-Qaeda and other designated terrorist organisations.
The FSB Director, Alexander Bortnikov, indicated that the removal of the Taliban from the list of terrorist organizations would enhance cooperation with the Afghan government in countering threats from ISIS-K, a faction of the Islamic State operating in Afghanistan. Bortnikov pointed out that the Taliban is prepared to confront this threat, which is believed to receive support from Western entities.
Kabulov further noted that “the Taliban is ready to fight the most dangerous wing of the IS, ISIS-K, which is still getting material support from the West, which uses the terrorist group’s capacity to carry out subversive false-flag operations on our soil.”
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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