Moscow’s Foreign Ministry affirmed that Russia will continue adhering to UN sanctions on the Taliban, despite their recent status change.On April 17, 2025, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming that despite the Taliban’s removal from Russia’s list of terrorist organizations, Moscow will continue to adhere to United Nations Security Council sanctions on individuals linked to the Taliban. This decision follows the Supreme Court of Russia’s ruling on April 17, which temporarily suspended the Taliban’s terrorist status, without altering Russia’s international commitments. The Ministry emphasized that the suspension does not change Moscow’s obligations to implement UN sanctions against Taliban officials.The UN Security Council extended its mission monitoring the sanctions against the Taliban in Afghanistan for an additional 14 months on December 13, 2024. In response, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, called the sanctions against Taliban officials “ineffective and unjust,” urging the UN to lift these measures to facilitate better engagement with the international community. Despite the Taliban’s objections, the sanctions remain in place for the time being.On the same day as the Russian Supreme Court’s ruling, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement acknowledging that removing the terrorist status of the Taliban could open the door for full-scale cooperation with Kabul. Moscow highlighted its intention to establish mutually beneficial relations with Afghanistan, focusing on areas such as countering drug trafficking and terrorism. The Russian government also expressed support for the Taliban’s efforts against the Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) affiliate.Russia sees Afghanistan’s unique geographical position as an opportunity for future large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlined that Russia and Uzbekistan signed an agreement in March 2025 to begin the Afghanistan-Trans railway project, marking a significant step in boosting bilateral trade and investment. Moscow is particularly interested in fostering strong economic ties with Kabul to improve long-term collaboration between the two nations.Russia’s shift in stance on the Taliban, despite its terrorist designation in international forums, reflects a pragmatic approach towards securing strategic partnerships in Afghanistan, particularly in energy and infrastructure sectors. The agreement on the railway project signals the beginning of a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Kabul, underlining its focus on sustainable and mutually advantageous cooperation.Meanwhile, the suspension of the Taliban’s terrorist status by Russia opens up possibilities for diplomatic engagement, it does not override the continued enforcement of UN sanctions. Moscow’s cautious stance reflects a broader strategy aimed at fostering ties with Afghanistan while maintaining alignment with international norms and agreements. This development could serve as a template for future diplomatic endeavors in conflict zones, where balancing engagement with compliance to international sanctions remains a critical challenge.Ultimately, Russia’s approach to Afghanistan could set a precedent for other nations, signaling a shift in how international relations with Taliban-led governments might evolve. The success of this strategy will likely hinge on the Taliban’s willingness to adhere to regional security norms and the broader international community’s response to these shifts.The post Moscow maintains UN sanctions on Taliban despite status change, says Russia’s Foreign Ministry appeared first on Khaama Press.