After Russia became the first country to officially recognise the Taliban government, China has welcomed the move, fuelling speculation it may be next. As regional powers deepen ties with Kabul, questions mount about the global legitimacy of Afghanistan’s isolated rulers.

Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan since it seized power in 2021, after Moscow removed the group from its list of outlawed organizations

Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, sparking outrage from opposition figures. The decision marks a major milestone for the Taliban almost four years after they swept into Kabul and took power.