Anti-War Politician Boris Nadezhdin Branded ‘Foreign Agent’

July 10, 2026 Boris Nadezhdin. @BorisNadezhdin / Telegram Russia’s Justice Ministry on Friday designated Boris Nadezhdin, the anti-war politician who was blocked from running in Russia’s 2024 presidential election, as a “foreign agent.” The designation comes nearly a month after Nadezhdin submitted documents to run for Russia’s lower-house State Duma in September. Foreign agents are barred from running for any elected office under Russian law. The Justice Ministry accused Nadezhdin of creating and distributing messages and materials from other “foreign agents,” while also helping create content for “undesirable” organizations. “He spread false information about the Russian government’s decisions and policies, and about Russia’s electoral system,” the ministry said in a statement. “He also called on people to take part in unauthorized rallies and pickets.” Besides Nadezhdin, the Justice Ministry on Friday also applied the “foreign agent” designation to a campaign coordinating office directly affiliated with him, Arctic tourism development expert Timofey Rogozhin and opposition YouTube channel host Yekaterina Voropay. Hundreds of cultural figures, journalists, businesspeople, as well as news outlets and organizations, have been branded “foreign agents” since Russia introduced the label in 2012. Russia applies the designation to individuals it views as enemies of the state. Those branded as “foreign agents” are required to include a lengthy disclaimer in all of their public appearances and statements, including posts on social media. Read more about: Foreign Agents , Boris Nadezhdin , Justice Ministry Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Justice Ministry Labels Exiled News Website Novaya Vkladka ‘Foreign Agent’ The outlet was accused of openly opposing the invasion of Ukraine, spreading “unreliable information” about the Russian government and interacting... 1 Min read A Priest, a Pianist and a Spy: Russia’s Latest “Foreign Agent” Designations Hundreds of cultural figures, journalists, businesspeople, as well as news outlets and organizations, have been branded “foreign agents” since 2012... 2 Min read Russian Authorities Maintain Secret List of People ‘Affiliated’ with ‘Foreign Agents’ Nearly 900 individuals deemed to be “affiliated” with people and organizations labeled “foreign agents” are on the registry. 2 Min read Russia Launches ‘Foreign Agent’ Probe Into Yeltsin Center The historical museum and cultural center called for an "immediate stop" to the war in Ukraine just a day after Moscow launched its invasion. 1 Min read