Putin reshapes diplomacy with Taliban, HTS delisting move
Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing the removal of the Taliban and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from the list of terrorist organizations. This represents a step towards changing relations with these groups.
Putin signed the law on December 28, allowing the Russian government to remove organizations from its list of terrorist entities. This decision creates a legal basis for altering relations with these groups.
New relations with the Taliban and HTS
The signed decree permits the Russian government to exclude certain organizations from the terrorist list. This applies to the "Taliban," which governs Afghanistan, and HTS, which recently took control in Syria. This step is part of Russia's strategy to strengthen ties with these groups.
Russian "war bloggers" claim that such actions will contribute to political and economic rapprochement between Russia and the Taliban, including the opening of new trade routes through Afghanistan. The decree also creates opportunities for cooperation between Russia and the interim Syrian government led by HTS. Analysts note that this will allow Russia to maintain military bases in Syria and ensure their security.
ISW had previously noted that the Russian authorities were preparing legal mechanisms aimed at removing the Taliban from the list, and Putin's decree is likely one of the final steps in this process.
Consequences for international policy
Russia's decision to remove the "Taliban" and HTS from the list of terrorist organizations may have broad implications for international policy. It may affect Russia's relations with other countries and the situation in the regions controlled by these groups.
HTS is considered the strongest military faction of the Syrian opposition, currently effectively controlling Syria.
