Russian state media has reported that Moscow will remove the Taliban from a list of banned terrorist organisations. The move comes three years after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan. For years, Russia has fostered ties with the radical organisation, holding multiple rounds of talks and boosting trade with Afghanistan despite international sanctions. Russia recently invited the Taliban to attend its biggest annual economic forum, which was once considered the cornerstone of its economic ties with the West. No country has recognised the Taliban government so far, mainly due to human rights and terrorism-related concerns. The Taliban seized power in 2021 from a US-backed government.