In a historic and controversial move, Russia has become the first nation to officially recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The announcement was met with cautious optimism on the streets of Kabul,

Russia said on Thursday it had accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan, making it the first nation to recognise the Taliban government of the country.

Afghanistan’s government said yesterday that Russia had become the first country to officially recognise its rule, calling it a “brave decision”.