In a significant diplomatic move, Russia announced on Tuesday its plans to engage with Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership and pursue the removal of the group from its list of designated terrorist organizations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed reporters, emphasizing the need for dialogue with the Taliban, citing the proximity of Afghanistan to Russia and the pressing issues that require resolution. While Peskov did not delve into specifics regarding these matters, the announcement comes amidst heightened tensions following a recent deadly attack near Moscow.
The attack, which claimed the lives of at least 144 people, was attributed to Islamic State militants, with U.S. officials pointing to the group’s Afghan branch, Islamic State Khorasan, as the perpetrators. However, Russia has initiated investigations into a potential Ukrainian connection, a claim vehemently denied by both Kyiv and Washington.
Despite the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led foreign forces, the group has remained on Russia’s list of designated terrorist organizations. The decision to engage with the Taliban and pursue their delisting underscores Russia’s evolving approach to the Afghan leadership and its broader diplomatic strategy in the region.
As Russia seeks to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and address security concerns in the wake of the Moscow attack, its diplomatic overtures towards the Taliban signal a potential shift in regional dynamics and underscore the complexities of the Afghan conflict.