Michael McCaul, former chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, has strongly criticised Russia’s decision to officially recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, calling it a dangerous move to legitimise “a tyrannical regime.”

In a statement posted on Thursday, 11 July, on X (formerly Twitter), McCaul wrote: “Since their brutal takeover of Afghanistan, the Taliban have created a devastating humanitarian crisis — destroying advances in women’s rights, taking American hostages for political gain, and publicly executing individuals.”

He condemned Russia’s move as “a transparent attempt by the unholy alliance to legitimize its allies,” adding, “I join leaders across the free world in decrying this dangerous move, which puts a rubber stamp on the Taliban’s brutal rule.”

Earlier this month, Russia became the first permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and the first country globally, to formally recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan’s ruling government.

The Kremlin’s decision has drawn sharp criticism from Washington. While China has yet to extend formal recognition, it publicly welcomed Moscow’s move. Other nations have so far remained silent on the issue.