Russia Becomes First Nation to Formalize Recognition of Taliban Government in Afghanistan:

Russia has officially recognised the Taliban regime, making it the first country to do so since the group seized power in 2021. The Kremlin stated that this move will "open avenues for bilateral cooperation," while the Taliban praised it as a "brave initiative." Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed hope that other nations—hesitant due to the Taliban's strict Sharia-based laws and severe limitations on women's rights—might follow Russia’s lead.