Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on Monday that Russia is removing the Taliban from its list of prohibited terrorist organizations, according to state-run news outlet RIA Novosti. This decision comes following recommendations from Russia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice to President Vladimir Putin, suggesting the Taliban’s removal from the list.
Lavrov emphasized the influence of the Taliban and noted that the group is not designated as a terrorist organization by the UN Security Council. Zamir Kabulov, the Russian president’s special representative for Afghanistan, added that this move does not conflict with UN Security Council resolutions.
Responding to the news, the Taliban stated, “We have never been terrorists, but we fought to liberate our country from foreign occupation.”
Despite this change, under Security Council Resolution 2615, certain restrictions on assisting the Taliban remain, though some have been eased for humanitarian aid purposes.
Besides Russia, Kazakhstan has also decided to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations.
A final decision from President Vladimir Putin supporting the de-listing is still pending.
