Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that the Taliban is the "real power" in Afghanistan and the group's possible removal from Moscow's list of banned organisations reflects "objective reality", the TASS state news agency reported.

TASS reported on Monday that Russian ministries had advised President Vladimir Putin that Moscow could remove the Taliban from the list. Moscow also invited the Taliban to a top economic forum in St Petersburg next month.

Replying to a question as to which subjects will be touched upon with the Taliban representatives at the forum, Zamir Kabulov said that there are many promising fields of cooperation.

"Traditionally, the Afghanis are interested in continuing expanding cooperation on purchasing petroleum products and other hot commodities from Russia. Certainly, it is possible to talk about using Afghanistan's transit capabilities in order to expand trade turnover with this vast region," the diplomat noted.

Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice of Russia informed President Vladimir Putin that the Taliban (a terrorist organisation banned in the Russian Federation) could be excluded from the list of banned organisations.

"[Removing the Taliban from the banned list] is mandatory. Without this, it will be premature to talk about [Russian recognition of the new Afghan authorities]. Therefore, this issue continues to be analysed. All considerations have been reported to the top leadership of Russia," Zamir Kabulov, Special Representative of the Russian President for Afghanistan said.

The diplomat noted that the position was agreed upon with other departments. Russia's recognition of the Taliban government has become much closer today than at the time when they came to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that it is necessary to build relations with the Taliban due to their control over Afghanistan.

"We need to proceed from reality and build relations accordingly," he added.

On Tuesday, May, 28th, in Tashkent, the President of Russia told reporters, "These people control the country and its territory and are the current rulers of Afghanistan."

Without elaborating on the existing problems in Afghanistan, Putin mentioned that "everyone is aware of them." Although Russia labeled the Taliban a terrorist organization in 2003, Moscow has maintained informal diplomatic relations with the group.

However, the President of Russia added, "How to establish relations with the Taliban is another question, but we must somehow [maintain] relations with them."

He referred to consultations with regional partners, including those in Central Asia, regarding relations with the Taliban, and said, "We take into account the opinions of each of our partners and friends and will coordinate on this issue."

Putin's remarks come a day after the proposal to remove the Taliban from the list of banned organizations in Russia was discussed with the President of Iran.

The reassessment of the Taliban's status by Russian authorities signals a pragmatic shift in international relations, as Moscow aims to engage with the group amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape in Eurasia. While the change does not yet signify formal recognition, it opens avenues for dialogue and potential cooperation, underscoring Russia's willingness to adapt its stance in response to on-the-ground realities.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the Taliban at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum highlights the integration of politics with economic interests. The forum, known as a significant platform for global policymakers and business leaders, could provide an opportunity for the Taliban to present themselves as a stabilizing force capable of fostering economic development in a post-conflict Afghanistan.

Engagement with the Taliban also reflects Russia's strategic interests in ensuring security along its southern borders. Central Asian nations, which have historic and demographic ties with Afghanistan, have expressed concerns over the spill-over of extremism and drug trafficking. By working more closely with the Taliban, Russia potentially positions itself as a mediator that can influence the group's policies, promoting regional stability.

Russia's approach appears to contrast with the hardline stance taken by some Western nations. While countries such as the United States have been cautious in their engagement with the Taliban, fearing the undermining of human rights, particularly those pertaining to women and minorities, Russia views the interaction through a more pragmatic lens, focusing on stability and economic interests over ideological alignment.

Lavrov's statement and the subsequent reports also raise questions about the conditions that might precede Russia's removal of the Taliban from the list of banned organizations. It is not clear whether Russia will demand certain actions from the Taliban or if the delisting is purely a reflection of the power dynamics in Afghanistan.

Despite this potential softening of position by Russia, the Taliban's recognition as the legitimate government of Afghanistan remains a contentious issue in the international arena. The group's history, recent actions, and governance model, which strictly adheres to their interpretation of Islamic law, presents a challenge for Western nations seeking to balance strategic interests with the promotion of human rights and democracy.

As the global community watches Russia's moves, the implications extend beyond Afghanistan. The situation underscores the shifting balances of power and the redefinition of international alliances in the 21st century. How Russia navigates its relationship with the Taliban may influence other nations' policies and the broader diplomatic strategies directed toward Afghanistan.

Russian engagement with the Taliban thus evokes diverse perspectives, being seen by some as a potential move towards pragmatic stabilization and by others as a compromise on values and principles held by the international community. The forthcoming period will likely reveal the true impact and intentions behind Russia's diplomatic maneuvers with the insurgent group that now holds power in Afghanistan.

To conclude, Russia's emerging relationship with the Taliban is poised to become a focal point of Eurasian geopolitics. With President Putin emphasizing the necessity of engaging with "reality," the coming months are expected to see Moscow playing a more active role in shaping the post-American withdrawal Afghan landscape, navigating complex regional interests and the expectations of the international community.