July 08, 2025

Welcome to Moscow, Taliban!


Welcome to Moscow, Taliban!
The Taliban's new flag for Afghanistan, flying in Moscow. TASS, Telegram.

On July 3, Russia became the first country in the world to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, legitimizing the Taliban, its former enemy. Afghanistan's former black, red, and green flag in its Moscow embassy was replaced with the militant group's banner.

The Russian ambassador in Kabul, Dmitry Zhirnov, said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested to President Vladimir Putin that Russia recognize the Taliban's sovereignty of Afghanistan. Zhirnov said the decision stems from Moscow's "sincere desire to establish a full-fledged partnership" with Kabul.

Russia has had a hot-and-cold relationship with the Taliban. The militant group emerged from the Mujahideen movement, which fought against Moscow's invasion during the Soviet-Afghan war (1979-1989). In 2003, Russia recognized the Taliban as a terrorist organization. In 2021, the extremist political and religious organization seized control of all of Afghanistan after the withdrawal of American troops. These events apparently convinced the Kremlin to soften its stance on the group.

Yet Russia actually began to actively cooperate with the Taliban as soon as they came to power. Representatives of the movement are frequently spotted in Moscow visiting government officials. In December 2024, the Duma passed a law allowing the Taliban to no longer be considered a terrorist organization.

In March 2025, the Prosecutor General's office asked the Supreme Court to suspend Russia's ban on the group's activities. By April, the ban was suspended.

The Taliban, meanwhile, has been criticized for suffocating a free press and implementing gender apartheid in Afghanistan.

You Might Also Like

Tali-unbanned
  • April 20, 2025

Tali-unbanned

The Russian government has removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations.
The Music of War
  • October 30, 2024

The Music of War

Russian military ensembles glorify war and profit from it.
Afghanistan: A Second Chance?
  • February 20, 2009

Afghanistan: A Second Chance?

Thirty years ago, in 1979, the Persian Gulf was a tinderbox. On January 16, following months of uprisings, the Shah of Iran was overthrown. One month later, it looked like Afghanistan’s turn. The Soviet-backed thugs running the country had imposed radical social reforms, sparking a civil war and threatening pro-Soviet rule...
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of Our Books

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.
The Little Golden Calf

The Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.
Life Stories: Original Fiction By Russian Authors

Life Stories: Original Fiction By Russian Authors

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.
Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.
The Latchkey Murders

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...
Murder and the Muse

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.
At the Circus (bilingual)

At the Circus (bilingual)

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.
Survival Russian

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.
Chekhov Bilingual

Chekhov Bilingual

Some of Chekhov's most beloved stories, with English and accented Russian on facing pages throughout. 

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955