Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government

In this handout photo released by the Russian Foreign Ministry on July 3, 2025, the newly appointed Taliban envoy to Moscow Gul Hassan hands “copies” of his credence letters to the Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko in Moscow. (Photo by Handout / RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / Russian Foreign Ministry” – HANDOUT – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS