MOSCOW — The State Duma, which is the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, has approved a significant piece of legislation that could allow the removal of the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist organization in Afghanistan.

This bill, which successfully passed its second and third readings, empowers a court to suspend the official classification of an organization as terrorist. For this bill to become law, it still requires approval from the Federation Council, the upper house of parliament, and needs to be signed by President Vladimir Putin.

The Taliban has been classified as a terrorist group by Russia since 2003, and engaging with such organizations is strictly prohibited under current Russian law. Despite this, representatives from the Taliban have participated in multiple discussions organized by Moscow.

Russian officials have downplayed the inconsistencies raised by the apparent contradiction, arguing that it is essential to communicate with the Taliban to foster stabilization in Afghanistan.

Historically, Russia’s involvement in Afghanistan dates back to a protracted conflict that culminated in the Soviet Union’s troops withdrawing in 1989 after a decade-long war. Since this withdrawal, Russia has reestablished itself as a diplomatic actor, facilitating negotiations that include senior Taliban representatives alongside neighboring countries.

The international response to the Taliban’s governance, which has persisted for three years without significant internal or external challenges, is becoming increasingly polarized. The Taliban administration has been actively pursuing diplomatic relationships with major powers in the region.