Russia’s Supreme Court on Thursday lifted a more than two-decade-old ban on Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban, paving the way for full ties between Moscow and Kabul.
Russia declared the Taliban a terrorist organisation in 2003. However, the Taliban have regained control of Afghanistan since the withdrawal of US troops in August 2021. The Supreme Court’s decision has come into effect with immediate effect.
Taliban lawyers and representatives were present at the closed-door hearing. In December 2024, the Russian parliament amended the law, which allowed the ban on the Taliban to be temporarily lifted to facilitate negotiations with the group.