In a move reminiscent of Soviet-era tactics, Russia on Friday labeled a women’s organization advocating for the return of mobilized men from Ukraine and a former pro-peace presidential candidate as “foreign agents.” The Put’ Domoi (Way Home) movement, composed of wives of Russian men sent to fight in Ukraine, has been organizing women-led protests in Moscow to bring attention to their cause. The Justice Ministry accused the movement of creating a negative image of Russia and the Russian army, as well as inciting illegal protests. One of the movement’s leaders, Maria Andreyeva, was also labeled a “foreign agent,” sparking outrage and defiance from her. The Kremlin had previously avoided targeting the movement to avoid backlash from relatives of soldiers fighting in Ukraine but seemed to have changed its stance.
Yekaterina Duntsova, a former presidential candidate who had campaigned on a platform of ending the war in Ukraine, was also labeled a “foreign agent.” Despite challenging President Vladimir Putin in the March presidential election, she was unable to mount a meaningful opposition and was subsequently targeted by the government. Duntsova expressed her expectation of being labeled a “foreign agent” but found the timing of the decision to be odd. With this designation, she is now unable to run for any public office, making her political aspirations more complicated. The crackdown on dissent in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in February has intensified, with even independent media projects like SOTA facing the “foreign agent” label.
The media project SOTA, one of the few independent outlets in Russia reporting on the war in Ukraine, was also labeled a “foreign agent.” The government cited criticism of the conflict and the presence of employees considered as “foreign agents” living abroad as reasons for the designation. Marina Litvinovich, a rights campaigner, was included in the list of “foreign agents,” further indicating the crackdown on dissenting voices in the country. The move to label these individuals and organizations as “foreign agents” is seen as an attempt by Moscow to suppress dissent and silence critics of the government’s actions in Ukraine.
The “foreign agent” label has long been a tool used by the Russian government to silence opposition and stifle free speech. By branding individuals and organizations as such, the government aims to create a negative image of them in the eyes of the public and limit their ability to operate freely. The targeting of women’s organizations advocating for the return of soldiers from Ukraine and former presidential candidates campaigning for peace highlights the government’s intolerance of dissenting voices. As Russia continues to crack down on dissent in the wake of the war in Ukraine, the space for genuine opposition and independent media in the country appears to be shrinking.
The decision to label the Put’ Domoi movement, Yekaterina Duntsova, and the media project SOTA as “foreign agents” reflects the Kremlin’s increasing control over public discourse and political opposition in Russia. The move comes amid a broader crackdown on dissent in the country, with authorities targeting anyone who criticizes the government’s actions in Ukraine or advocates for political change. The stifling of independent voices and the silencing of those who speak out against government policies signal a worrying trend toward authoritarianism and further restrictions on freedom of expression in Russia. Despite facing scrutiny and suppression, those labeled as “foreign agents” continue to push back against the government’s attempts to silence them.
The labeling of individuals and organizations as “foreign agents” in Russia is a clear attempt by the government to squash dissent and intimidate those who challenge its authority. By associating critics with foreign influence, the government seeks to discredit their message and undermine their credibility in the eyes of the public. The crackdown on independent media, civil society groups, and political activists reflects the Kremlin’s determination to maintain control over public discourse and prevent any challenges to its power. However, the resilience and defiance shown by those targeted as “foreign agents” demonstrate a commitment to continue advocating for change and opposing government repression, even in the face of mounting pressure and threats.
