MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. The potential lifting of Russia's ban on the Taliban movement - designated as a terrorist organization and outlawed in Russia - could facilitate working together to fight against the Islamic State (IS), another banned terrorist organization in Russia, according to TASS military observer Alexander Hoffmann.

Earlier, the press service of the Russian Supreme Court announced that the Prosecutor General's Office had requested to suspend the ban on the Taliban. Hearings on the administrative case are scheduled for April 17. In late December of last year, President Vladimir Putin signed a law permitting the temporary suspension of an organization's status on the unified list of terrorist organizations.

"This is being done strictly in accordance with the new law," Hoffmann explained. "The law now allows for such a measure if the organization has ceased engaging in terrorism and posing a threat to Russia. Moreover, the Taliban are currently in control of Afghanistan and have demonstrated a willingness to combat common adversaries, such as the Islamic State." He emphasized that this move acknowledges new realities and creates a legitimate opportunity for direct dialogue on critical issues, though it does not imply that Russia fully recognizes the Taliban as a legitimate regime.

Hoffmann also pointed out that, from a geopolitical perspective, this decision reinforces Russia's role as a key mediator in the Afghan settlement, facilitating greater engagement with Kabul.

"Importantly, this decision maintains leverage: should extremist activities crop up again, the ban can be reinstated. Russia is demonstrating flexible pragmatism - cooperation with Afghanistan's de facto authorities does not equate to endorsing their ideology, but rather serves to protect its own interests in Central Asia," the TASS observer stated.

"It is crucial for Russia and its neighbors in Central Asia to ensure order in Afghanistan - free from terrorism and drug trafficking. To achieve this, effective communication with those currently in charge, the Taliban, is essential," Hoffmann emphasized.

"This legal step will facilitate communication aimed at addressing specific security concerns and ensuring that Afghanistan does not pose a threat to us or our allies," he concluded.