Russia’s top court lifts ‘terror group’ designation on Afghanistan’s Taliban

Russia's Supreme Court lifts ban on Taliban, a diplomatic victory for the group, signaling improved relations with Afghanistan.

Russia’s Supreme Court on Thursday (April 17, 2025) lifted a ban on Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban, a group that was designated as a “terrorist organization” more than two decades ago.

The move was a diplomatic victory for the Taliban, who were put on Russia’s list of terrorist organizations in 2003, making any contact with them punishable under Russian law.

At the same time, Taliban delegations have attended various forums hosted by Russia as Moscow has sought to position itself as a regional power broker.

Also read: Putin says Taliban ‘our allies’ in fighting terrorism

The court’s ruling on a request by the Prosecutor General’s Office followed last year’s adoption of a law stipulating that the official designation as a terrorist organization could be suspended by a court.

The former Soviet Union fought a 10-year war in Afghanistan that ended with Moscow withdrawing its troops in 1989.

Russian officials have recently been emphasising the need to engage with the Taliban to help stabilize Afghanistan.