**Russia Ditches Taliban from Terror List: What It Means**
In a surprising move, Russia’s Supreme Court has removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations. The decision was made after a closed-door session initiated by the Prosecutor General’s Office and is effective immediately.
For over two decades, the Taliban had been classified as a terrorist organization in Russia. However, despite its control over Afghanistan since 2021, the Taliban-led administration has not been formally recognized by any state due to concerns over human rights, governance, and counter-terrorism issues.
This decision comes amidst growing ties between Russia and the Taliban. In recent years, Russia has maintained relations with Taliban officials and hosted them in Moscow. Trade ties between the two countries have also deepened, with Afghanistan becoming one of Russia’s largest importers of flour in 2024.
**Ukraine Conflict Continues**
Meanwhile, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains a pressing concern for international leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to France, Italy, and other European nations for their support during a recent meeting with foreign ministers.
The United States has also weighed in on the issue, with U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stating that “President Trump and the United States want this war to end” and have presented a plan for a durable and lasting peace.
**Russian Troops Suffer Heavy Losses**
In other news from Ukraine, President Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces had killed around 200 Russian soldiers, injured 30 others, and destroyed 115 units of Russian military equipment. These losses come as Ukraine continues to defend its territory against Russian aggression.
**Ukraine’s Economic Situation Stabilizing**
According to Bloomberg calculations, the ruble has appreciated by 38% against the dollar in the over-the-counter market since the start of the year. This increase reflects growing dissatisfaction in Berlin with Russia’s manipulation of the war narrative and is a sign that Ukraine’s economic situation may be stabilizing.
**Ukraine Recaptures Territory**
In another development, Ukrainian troops have recaptured territory near settlements such as Udachne, Kotlyne, and Shevchenko. This success comes after months of fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists.
As tensions remain high in Eastern Europe, the international community continues to watch closely for any developments in this complex conflict.
**Key Points:**
* Russia’s Supreme Court has removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations.
* Despite growing ties with the Taliban, concerns over human rights, governance, and counter-terrorism issues remain.
* Ukraine continues to defend its territory against Russian aggression, suffering heavy losses among Russian troops.
* The conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains a pressing concern for international leaders.
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