On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the collapse of Afghanistan’s former government and the Taliban’s return to power, the group’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, has called on the United States and other countries to follow Russia in recognising the Taliban administration.

Mujahid described Moscow’s recent decision as an “achievement” and confirmed that the Taliban have formally requested recognition from Washington. Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on 12 July that it had officially recognised the Taliban government.

In an interview with Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), now under Taliban control, Mujahid asserted that Afghanistan is no longer in a legal vacuum.

CNN reported in July that the Taliban had been seeking recognition from another former adversary, the United States, and that these efforts had intensified since the start of Donald Trump’s second presidential term. According to the report, Taliban proposals included establishing a US-based office, similar to an embassy, to manage Afghan affairs.