Why Russia legalized Taliban: Ukraine's Security Council explains
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russia seeks to use Afghanistan as a transit hub to bypass sanctions, deliver essential goods, and export gas to India. That is why Moscow has suspended its ban on the Taliban movement, according to Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council.
The Center recalled that in May 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly stated that the Taliban is the de facto authority in Afghanistan and that it is necessary to build relations with them.
The Taliban is an Islamist movement known for its repressive rule, violations of women's rights, executions, and past support for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Despite the Taliban being officially banned in Russia, the Kremlin has cooperated with the group in recent years, inviting its representatives to economic forums and signing agreements.
"By doing so, Russia aims to turn Afghanistan into a transit hub for evading sanctions, transporting critical goods, and exporting gas to India," the Center explained.
Russia suspends Taliban ban
On April 17, Russia’s Supreme Court officially suspended the ban on the Taliban. It will be removes from the country’s list of terrorist organizations.
The Taliban was designated a terrorist organization in Russia in 2003, following a similar move by the UN Security Council.
In late 2024, Vladimir Putin signed a law granting the government authority to remove the Taliban from the list of banned terrorist organizations.
Meanwhile, Russian war correspondents claimed the decision would help strengthen ties between Moscow and the Taliban. A pro-Kremlin blogger also said that the Taliban has shown intent to bring peace to Afghanistan, potentially opening new trade routes for Russia.
