Russia’s State Duma has approved a bill that could soon see the Taliban removed from Moscow’s official list of banned “terrorist” organizations. This step follows Russia’s growing diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan after the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2021.

The bill, passed on Tuesday, outlines a legal process for de-listing groups from Russia’s terrorist designation list. It is now set to move to the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia’s parliament, before reaching President Vladimir Putin for final approval.

Moscow has been courting the Taliban since the group’s return to power in Afghanistan, with Russian officials indicating that the removal of the Taliban from the terrorist list is imminent. Last month, during a visit to Kabul, Russian security officials assured Afghan counterparts that this move would soon take place.

Under the proposed framework, Russia’s Prosecutor General could file a request to remove the terrorist designation, provided that a court determines the Taliban has ceased its activities in support of terrorism. A judge would then decide on the removal of the designation.

While the expected change does not amount to a formal recognition of the Taliban’s government, Russia’s growing cooperation with the group signals a shift in its foreign policy. President Putin has referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism,” and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for the West to lift sanctions on Afghanistan and help with its reconstruction efforts.

The Taliban’s extreme interpretation of Islamic law, particularly its policies restricting women’s rights, has led to widespread condemnation from the international community. However, Russia’s allies in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, have already begun to alter their stance, with Kazakhstan removing the Taliban from its own terrorist list at the end of 2023.

This move is expected to strengthen ties between Moscow and Kabul, as both Russia and Afghanistan face increasing isolation from the West.