Putin Reaffirms Ties with Taliban to Maintain Influence in Afghanistan
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Moscow will continue its communications with the Taliban administration in a bid to retain influence over developments in Afghanistan.
In an interview with Indian media, Putin stated that the Taliban now govern the country, adding that Moscow does not ignore the reality of their presence in power. He acknowledged the general challenges faced by nations, saying that Afghanistan has its own specific problems, but asserted that the Taliban administration has brought the situation under control.
He claimed that the Taliban authorities have taken “measures to combat terrorism, including against ISIS,” and have reduced opium production in the country. According to Putin, the Taliban have also made efforts to prevent drug trafficking beyond Afghanistan’s borders.
“If your goal is to influence developments in Afghanistan, you have to be in contact with those who hold power,” Putin said, emphasizing that this is Moscow’s official strategy.
In July 2025, Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban administration—an action no other country had taken since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. The decision sparked varied international reactions and raised questions about the Taliban’s legal status and the future of global engagement with their government.
