Russia has become the first country to formally recognise Taliban rule, with Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a "courageous" decision.

The implications of this move extend far beyond symbolism. By recognizing the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, Russia has shifted from informal dealings to formal state-to-state relations. This step, long overdue in the eyes of some in Moscow, brings several strategic advantages.

An Afghan interpreter who worked with the British military has told Sky News he feels betrayed by the British government after a massive data breach saw his personal details revealed.

Russia has become the first nation to recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan since it took power in 2021, announcing on Thursday it has accepted an ambassador from the Islamist group.

ITV News has spoken to Afghans who worked for the UK in Afghanistan and could be under threat from the Taliban following a data breach. | ITV National News

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 announced on July 3 that it officially recognizes the Taliban government of Afghanistan, making it the first country in the world to grant recognition since the group seized power in 2021.

Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in 2021, according to its Foreign Ministry.

Russia said on Thursday it had accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan, making it the first nation to recognise the Taliban government of the country. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow saw good prospects to develop ties and would continue to support Kabul in security,

Supreme Court lifted group’s ‘terrorist’ designation in April, as Moscow seeks normalisation in bid for regional clout.

Taliban leaders have chosen to maintain a delicate balancing act in their relationships with other local violent jihadi groups since taking power in Afghanistan, new research shows.