The flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan flies at the Afghan embassy, after Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, in Moscow, Russia July 4, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov)

Speaking on the Rossiya-1 television channel, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov said President Vladimir Putin made the decision following a proposal by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reflecting Russia’s intention to establish a comprehensive partnership with Afghanistan.

The Taliban has held power in Afghanistan since August 2021, but until now, no country had granted official recognition to its government. Russia, however, has been gradually building ties with the Taliban administration.