Over the past two years, Russia has broadened the registry of foreign agents to include more than 300 people. This figure was presented by Oleg Sviridenko, the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Justice, during the Derzhavin Readings conference, as reported by TASS. The numbers reflect ongoing adjustments in how the state classifies individuals who engage with foreign information or influence campaigns and how those actions are disclosed to the public.
In the most recent year, the registry expanded to include 168 new citizens, rising from 134 additions the year before. The ministry notes that while the tally of legal entities on the list saw a slight decline in 2023, the count of individuals designated as foreign agents grew. The dynamic also shows a notable rise in non-official organizations being added to the registry, signaling a broader scope of coverage across civic groups and associations.
Ministry data indicate shifting composition among those listed. The share of journalists labeled as foreign agents decreased from 35 percent to 19 percent, while the share of politicians and political scientists increased from 8 percent to 12 percent. The proportion of members of parliament rose from 12 percent to 19 percent, and bloggers moved from 2 percent to 4 percent. These changes illustrate evolving criteria and pressures affecting different professional communities as the policy takes effect and is interpreted in practice. According to the ministry, the distribution patterns also show a tighter enforcement posture across various sectors of public life.
Earlier, the ministry announced fines for distributing materials from foreign agencies. Oleg Sviridenko stated that individuals who disseminate such materials without proper marking can face penalties ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 rubles. This enforcement stance underscores the government’s aim to ensure clear attribution of materials tied to foreign agents and to curb undisclosed influence operations that bypass regulatory requirements.
In parallel developments, discussions within the State Duma have considered tightening laws related to foreign agents, signaling continued legislative attention to the framework governing these classifications and their practical implications for media, civil society, and political discourse. The ongoing evolution of these laws suggests a sustained effort to clarify responsibilities for individuals and organizations interacting with foreign information or funding, while balancing concerns about transparency and security with considerations of legitimate journalistic and civic activities.
Experts and observers note that the registry serves as a central instrument in Russia’s strategy to monitor foreign influence structures and ensure that the public is informed about the affiliations and funding behind informational campaigns. The data released by the ministry, and corroborated by news agencies, reflect broader patterns of state oversight, the priorities of enforcement agencies, and the regulatory environment impacting researchers, reporters, and political actors alike. The current trajectory points to a continuing expansion of the register and a more prominent role for accountability measures that govern who can participate in activities associated with foreign influence or funding, and under what conditions those associations must be disclosed to the public. [TASS attribution]