US Refuses to Recognize Taliban as Afghanistan Government

John Kirby, the Strategic Communications Coordinator for the US National Security Council, reaffirmed that his country does not acknowledge the Taliban as the official government of Afghanistan.

He highlighted that the Taliban have not fulfilled any commitments since they assumed power.

Kirby stressed that the US remains firm in its position and will not recognize the Taliban. He also noted that if Russia decides to recognize the Taliban, it would set a concerning precedent.

Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned that the status of the Taliban is a topic of ongoing discussion.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated that Russia is contemplating removing the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations.

Zamir Kabulov, the Director of the Second Asia Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russian President's Special Representative for Afghanistan, informed that both the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Justice Ministry have completed their review on this matter and have forwarded their proposal to the Kremlin. 

The final decision will be made by Putin.

Although Russia has not formally recognized the Taliban-formed government in Afghanistan, Lavrov pointed out that the Taliban need to establish an inclusive government.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that any discussion regarding the potential removal of the Taliban from Russia's list of terrorist organizations will occur only after thorough consideration of the issue.