Russia and the Delisting of the Taliban: A Geopolitical Power Struggle Between the Kremlin and Washington

Russia and the Delisting of the Taliban: A Geopolitical Power Struggle Between the Kremlin and Washington
In a move that has stirred significant debate and analysis, Moscow recently announced its intention to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations. This development is emblematic of the broader geopolitical realignments underway in Central Asia and reflects the intensifying strategic rivalry between Russia and the United States over influence in Afghanistan.
Russia’s shift comes in the wake of direct U.S. engagement with the Taliban government in Kabul, signaling a notable change in Washington’s approach—from seeking regime change to managing the status quo in pursuit of stability and the protection of American strategic interests. This recalibration by the U.S. has prompted major regional actors, particularly Russia, to reassess their positions and expand their influence in Afghanistan through diplomatic, economic, and security channels.
Moscow’s move toward a gradual normalization of relations with the Taliban—evident in its intent to remove the group from its terrorism list—reflects a strategic repositioning aimed at asserting a more influential role in shaping Afghanistan’s future. The decision not only facilitates direct engagement with the de facto authorities in Kabul but also signals Russia’s aspiration to serve as a key stakeholder in the evolving regional order.
Since the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist organization by Russia in 2003, the decision had been shaped more by global political dynamics than by internal security imperatives. At the time, it aligned with the post-9/11 global consensus and Russia’s cooperation with the U.S.-led “Global War on Terror” under President George W. Bush. Moscow’s alignment with Washington was a calculated political gesture aimed at securing its place within the Western-led international order.
However, the strategic landscape has changed dramatically. Relations between Russia and the United States have reached a historic low, marked by open confrontation from Ukraine to the Middle East and Central Asia. In this context, the Taliban has shifted from being a diplomatic liability to a potential asset—a bargaining tool in Moscow’s broader strategy to counterbalance U.S. influence. This transformation underscores how security classifications can be repurposed as instruments of geopolitical leverage, far beyond their original security rationale.
From a security perspective, Russia now views the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP)—the regional affiliate of ISIS—as the principal threat to its national security, particularly following the deadly attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall in March. In response, Russia has reassessed its priorities, viewing the Taliban, despite historical reservations, as a pragmatic partner in combating a more extreme and immediate threat.
Geopolitically, delisting the Taliban supports Moscow’s broader strategy to expand its regional influence in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Alongside China and Iran, Russia seeks to fill the power vacuum left by Washington. Removing the terrorist designation enables greater diplomatic and economic engagement with the Taliban, enhancing Moscow’s leverage at a time when Western pressure on Russia continues to mount over the war in Ukraine.
On the economic front, Russia recognizes Afghanistan’s potential under Taliban rule, particularly with respect to its untapped reserves of strategic minerals such as lithium and copper, as well as its geostrategic position connecting South Asia and Central Asia. Moscow is investing in regional infrastructure projects, including the North-South Transport Corridor and railway networks linking Russia with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Lifting the terrorist label from the Taliban would facilitate the involvement of Russian enterprises in these ventures and strengthen Russia’s economic footprint in the region.
Domestically, engagement with the Taliban—albeit without formal recognition—serves to confer a degree of practical legitimacy on the movement, potentially consolidating its political standing within Afghanistan. However, this engagement does not equate to comprehensive political stability, nor does it guarantee inclusivity among Afghanistan’s diverse ethnic and political groups.
Regionally, China and Iran are also adopting pragmatic strategies in their dealings with the Taliban. China, despite sharing a short border with Afghanistan, views the Taliban through both security and economic lenses. Beijing is concerned about the potential spillover of extremism into Xinjiang, while also seeking to incorporate Afghanistan into its Belt and Road Initiative, particularly through investment in the country’s mineral wealth. While cautious about extending formal recognition, China has hosted Taliban delegations and maintained open channels of communication to protect its interests and promote regional stability.
Iran, despite its historically fraught sectarian and political relationship with the Taliban, is pursuing a balanced policy aimed at securing its borders, protecting economic interests, and maintaining a political presence in Afghanistan—especially in areas with large Shi’a populations. Through flexible engagement with both the Taliban and elements of the opposition, Tehran seeks to preserve its strategic influence within the shifting regional landscape.

Conclusion
Russia’s decision to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations signals a strategic realignment amid intensifying geopolitical competition in Afghanistan and Central Asia. As U.S. policies continue to shift, Moscow is repositioning itself by using diplomatic and economic tools to expand its influence, adopting a pragmatic approach that acknowledges the Taliban as a key political and security actor.
At the same time, regional and global powers—including China, the Gulf states, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey—are actively redefining their roles to protect strategic interests in Afghanistan. The country is increasingly becoming both a contested arena of influence and a bargaining chip in the broader power dynamics between major and regional players.
This raises a critical question:
Will this pragmatic engagement pave the way for relative stability, or will it further entangle the region in deepening international and regional
.rivalries
The original article is published on the White House in Arabic platform based in Washington

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