Representatives from a movement calling themselves Veterans of Russia petitioned the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation with a demand regarding writer Dmitry Bykov, who has been labeled within Russia as an agent of foreign media. The push seeks to strip Bykov of his Russian property. This development was reported by Life, which cited the activists’ appeal as part of their broader concerns about his conduct and affiliations. Life’s coverage notes the seriousness with which the group views Bykov’s ties to foreign media and the impact they believe this has on Russia’s information landscape.
According to the publication, the activists highlighted that Bykov owns two Moscow apartments with an estimated total value around 55 million rubles. The properties include a three room flat measuring 70 square meters and a one bedroom dwelling of 42.3 square meters located on Mosfilmovskaya Street in the Ramenki district of the capital. The details of the properties were presented as part of the argument that Bykov possesses significant assets in Russia and thus should be subject to a thorough review in relation to the alleged connections to foreign agendas. [Source: Life reports]
On December 11, the group formally requested that the Prosecutor General examine Bykov for possible involvement in financing the Armed Forces of Ukraine and for statements that they interpreted as a public justification of extremism and terrorism. The impetus for this request stemmed from Bykov’s remarks during a discussion with the public figures known as Vovan and Lexus. In that exchange he referenced the absence of claims against Ukraine in the context of Russia’s actions, a point that the Veterans of Russia viewed as provocative and potentially dangerous in the current climate. [Source: Life reports]
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently commented on Bykov’s remarks, weighing in on the implications of his statements for Russia’s diplomatic and informational posture. The episode illustrates ongoing tensions between literary or media figures and state institutions, with debates centering on the boundaries between free expression and what some authorities perceive as disinformation or advocacy on sensitive topics. [Source: Life reports]
It is noted in context that Dmitry Bykov left Russia for the United States after the start of Russia’s military operation abroad and was placed on the registry of foreign agents in July 2022. This move has framed subsequent discussions about his activities and financial connections, as well as how Russian authorities and affiliated groups interpret his public positions. The sequence of events underscores continuing scrutiny of individuals connected to foreign funding or influence campaigns and the legal and political ramifications within Russia’s domestic landscape. [Source: Life reports]
Earlier reports indicated that tax authorities had seized accounts tied to a business owned by Soso Pavliashvili. This development is cited as part of a broader pattern of financial enforcement actions that intersect with political and media figures who are perceived to have foreign links or support networks. The convergence of property ownership, foreign designation, and regulatory scrutiny paints a complex picture of how Russian institutions monitor and respond to perceived external influence. [Source: Life reports]