Russia Supreme Court Reviews Taliban Terrorist Designation April 17

Russia's Supreme Court is scheduled to review a request from the Prosecutor General's Office on April 17 to lift the ban on the Taliban, which has been designated a terrorist organization since 2003. This potential change follows a legal framework introduced by President Vladimir Putin in December, allowing for the removal of groups from the terrorist list if they are deemed to have ceased terrorist activities. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, Russia has strengthened its ties with the group, with Putin describing them as allies in the fight against terrorism. The proposed lifting of the ban does not equate to formal recognition of the Taliban government. Observers note this shift reflects Russia's evolving foreign policy stance in the region, particularly as it seeks to engage with Afghanistan amid ongoing global tensions. The Taliban has been engaged in combat against rival groups, including the Islamic State Khorasan, which has posed security threats both locally and internationally.