Mikhail Galuzin, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, asserted that the recognition of the Taliban hinges on their formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan.

He highlighted that such a government must represent all ethnicities, religious groups, and political parties of Afghanistan.

Galuzin, who was on a visit to Uzbekistan on Friday, mentioned that Moscow continues to maintain working relations with the Taliban. He also criticised the United States' policies towards Afghanistan, particularly criticising the 2021 US withdrawal, which he described as abandoning the Afghan people.

While Russia does not officially recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, it has engaged diplomatically with the group and has even transferred control of the Afghan embassy in Moscow to the Taliban.

Additionally, the Russian Foreign Ministry has indicated that it is considering the removal of the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations, signalling a potential shift in Russian policy towards Afghanistan.