Russia formally recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group seized power amid the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan four years ago.

Russia on Thursday became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan since it seized power in 2021, after Moscow r emoved the group from its list of outlawed organizations.

Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in 2021, according to its Foreign Ministry.