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Russia

Stories under this heading cover Russia, as well as countries in the eastern part of the European continent, such as Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova.

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Russia is the first country to recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan

Russia is the first country to recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan

On Thursday (3 July), Russia formally recognised the Taliban government in Afghanistan by accepting credentials from its new ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan. In April, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations. On Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed this decision, stating that diplomatic ties would promote "productive bilateral cooperation" in areas such as trade, energy, transport, agriculture, and security. Afghanistan’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, welcomed Russia’s move, calling it 'historic' and expressing hope that other countries would follow suit. This reflects the Taliban's growing efforts to gain international legitimacy since seizing power in August 2021 following the US withdrawal from the country.

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Editor's choice
Opinion
Opinion: The visit of US Vice President Pence to Georgia is a game-changer

Opinion: The visit of US Vice President Pence to Georgia is a game-changer

"Pence's visit to Georgia coincided (or more likely was timed to coincide) with the largest military exercises NATO has ever held in Georgia. This, some may claim, was just theatrics. In part this is true, but it is the sort of theatrics that the present Russian leadership understands", writes Dennis Sammut in this op-ed
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NATO in a show of force in Georgia

NATO in a show of force in Georgia

Heavy American military equipment of the US 2nd Cavalry Regiment, including tanks, artillary and armoured vehicles, landed on Georgia's Black Sea coast throughout the week, and were transported by rail, or driven, to the Vaziani Military base at the centre of the country where the military drills will take place starting today and lasting until 12 August