The Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation has refreshed the roster of individuals and organizations designated as foreign agents. Among the latest additions is the artist Semyon Slepakov, a move confirmed by the ministry’s press service. The official notice asserts that Slepakov received backing from foreign sources, took a stance against special military operations in Ukraine, and expressed a critical view of military service and public service in general. It also notes that he voiced negative opinions about fellow Russian citizens. At present, Slepakov is described as residing outside Russia.
Alongside Slepakov, the updated list includes other named figures such as journalist Pavel Kanygin, journalist Igor Yakovenko, and producer Pavel Muntyan. In addition, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Agency, Polygon publications, and the Rainbow Association appear on the roster. These entries reflect the ongoing reach of the foreign agents regime across individuals and entities that are perceived as receiving foreign support or influence.
The ministry’s move also involved changes to other entries within the register. In a related development, the Center for Conservation and Study of Salmon Species and Their Habitats, along with the Sakhalin Environmental Watch, were delisted from the foreign agents list. The reversal of their designation is presented as a consequence of shifts in organizational status or activity that the ministry recentened as no longer meeting the criteria for designation.
In another note related to the broader policy framework, Vitaly Borodin, who heads the Federal Security and Anti-Corruption Project, reported that a formal request was filed with the Prosecutor General’s Office to recognize Lia Akhedzhakova, a prominent People’s Artist of Russia, as a foreign agent. The request also sought to initiate three criminal cases against her for alleged treason, discrediting the military, and incitement of hatred and enmity. The matter underscores the ongoing tensions between state authorities and public figures who express dissenting or controversial views. Meanwhile, Akhedzhakova recently stepped down from her long-term role at Sovremennik Theatre, a position she held for several decades, marking a significant shift in the theatre landscape and the broader cultural scene in Russia.
The evolving list and related actions illustrate how the foreign agents framework continues to shape political and cultural discourse inside and beyond Russia. Observers note that the mechanism operates as a channel for signaling loyalty, influence, and alignment with state policies, while also drawing attention to the legal and administrative procedures that govern designation, delisting, and potential consequences for those who are labeled as foreign agents. The ministry maintains that the designation is tied to transparency of sources of funding and potential foreign influence on political activities, media, and cultural institutions, and it emphasizes that the process includes formal criteria, administrative procedures, and appeals where applicable. Critics, on the other hand, argue that the label can be used as a tool to suppress dissent or to constrain independent voices in journalism, art, and public life, a debate that continues to animate policy discussions and public commentary across the country and among international observers.
Overall, the latest actions reflect a continuing evolution of national policy toward foreign influence and information governance. The identities and organizations named in the updated roster provide a snapshot of how authorities define and apply the foreign agents designation, how they respond to changing circumstances, and how public figures navigate the complex intersection of political expression, cultural work, and perceived external support. As the situation develops, attention will likely focus on the criteria used for designation, the procedural safeguards in place for challenged listings, and the broader implications for media, culture, and civil society in Russia and beyond.