Russia's Supreme Court suspended the ban on the Taliban movement following a request from Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov. Judge Oleg Nefedov announced that the decision must be carried out right away, removing the Taliban from the terrorist organization register after 22 years.
The court met behind closed doors based on a law President Vladimir Putin signed last December. These changes allow terrorist bans to be lifted when groups stop activities against Russian interests. Despite lacking official recognition, Russia has actively worked with the Taliban government since it took power in Afghanistan in 2021.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated this change creates opportunities for full partnership with Afghanistan. Moscow wants to develop infrastructure projects, but currently focuses on fighting the Islamic State terrorist group. For the Taliban, this move helps make up for their lack of international recognition.
Russia joins other Central Asian nations like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan that have already removed the Taliban from their terrorist lists. The decision opens doors for major projects, including a trans-Afghan railway. Russia must still follow UN Security Council measures against certain Taliban members, including asset freezes and travel bans.
The court met behind closed doors based on a law President Vladimir Putin signed last December. These changes allow terrorist bans to be lifted when groups stop activities against Russian interests. Despite lacking official recognition, Russia has actively worked with the Taliban government since it took power in Afghanistan in 2021.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated this change creates opportunities for full partnership with Afghanistan. Moscow wants to develop infrastructure projects, but currently focuses on fighting the Islamic State terrorist group. For the Taliban, this move helps make up for their lack of international recognition.
Russia joins other Central Asian nations like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan that have already removed the Taliban from their terrorist lists. The decision opens doors for major projects, including a trans-Afghan railway. Russia must still follow UN Security Council measures against certain Taliban members, including asset freezes and travel bans.
