R ussia has become the first country to formally recognise Taliban rule, with Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a "courageous" decision.

Beijing will continue to 'pursue friendly policy toward all Afghan people and support exchanges and cooperation across various fields,' says Foreign Ministry spokesperson - Anadolu Ajansı

Russia's recognition of the interim regime of Kabul has sparked strong backlash in Afghanistan, with leaders and activists condemning it as