Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, sparking outrage from opposition figures. The decision marks a major milestone for the Taliban almost four years after they swept into Kabul and took power.

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.

Afghanistan’s government said that Russia had become the first country to officially recognise its rule, calling it a “brave decision.”