Fact Check: Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban's government.

Fact Check: "Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban's government."

What We Know

On July 3, 2025, Russia officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, marking it as the first country to do so since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. This recognition was confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry, which stated that it had accepted the credentials of Afghanistan's newly appointed ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan. The ministry indicated that this move would foster "productive bilateral cooperation" between Russia and Afghanistan (New York Times, AP News).

The Taliban's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, welcomed this decision, expressing hope that it would encourage other nations to follow suit. This recognition comes after Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations earlier in April 2025, a significant step in the evolving diplomatic relations between the two nations (BBC, Washington Post).

Analysis

The claim that Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban's government is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The AP News and Reuters both report on the formal recognition and the acceptance of the Taliban's ambassador, reinforcing the credibility of this information.

Moreover, the Washington Post highlights the historical context of this recognition, noting the Taliban's previous isolation due to its controversial governance, particularly regarding women's rights. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a step towards legitimizing the Taliban's rule, while others express concern about the implications for global security (Independent).

The sources used are credible, including established news organizations like the New York Times, AP News, BBC, and others, which have a history of reliable reporting. However, it is important to note that some sources reflect a critical stance towards Russia's recognition, indicating potential bias in the interpretation of the event (CNN, Al Jazeera).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban's government" is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Russia has indeed taken this unprecedented step, making it the first nation to officially acknowledge the Taliban's authority since their return to power in Afghanistan.

Fact Check: Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban's government.