A set of amendments will be submitted to the State Duma on February 12. These changes would enable authorities to formally designate foreign organizations, whose founders include foreign state entities, as undesirable within the Russian Federation. The announcement came on air through the Duma commission that investigates foreign interference in Russia’s internal affairs, known as Duma-TV, emphasizing the potential impact on national security and sovereignty.
The draft measure states that any organization involved in anti-Russian activities is subject to review, whether it operates as a public organization or is created by state institutions. It may be classified as objectionable, depending on the nature of its actions and affiliations. The announcement underscores that the intent is to assess and respond to activities that challenge Russia’s political system and electoral processes.
According to the commission chair, the proposed changes target entities participating in activities that threaten security, sovereignty, or the integrity of elections in Russia. The lawmakers intend to present the bill to the State Duma on February 12, signaling a decisive step in strengthening oversight over external influences and preserving domestic stability.
In parallel discussions, lawmakers considered a provision requiring financial institutions in Russia to refrain from conducting transactions deemed undesirable with foreign companies that have state participation. The proposed rules would restrict financial activity with such entities, aiming to curb access to resources that might support interference or destabilizing actions.
There have also been discussions about expanding the list of organizations regarded as undesirable within Russia. Working groups in the State Duma prepared relevant criteria and procedures to identify new categories of entities that could face restrictions or bans in the future, reflecting a broader approach to safeguarding national interests.
Earlier, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office accepted a decision regarding the NGO known as the Russian Election Observer, labeling it undesirable in the Russian Federation. The move illustrates the ongoing process of assessing organizations operating in the political arena and the potential implications for civil society monitoring activities, according to official briefings given to the commission and aired by Duma-TV — attributed coverage provided by the state informational program.
Experts note that this legislative effort aligns with a broader regulatory framework intended to monitor foreign influence and preserve electoral sovereignty. Supporters argue that the measures are necessary to prevent external actors from shaping public opinion or influencing government decision-making. Critics, however, warn about the risks to civil society and the need for clear, transparent criteria to avoid arbitrary designations. The State Duma’s February 12 session is expected to provide more concrete details about the scope, definitions, and due process involved in applying the new designations, and to outline how banks and other financial actors would implement these restrictions in practice. The ongoing debates reflect a balance between safeguarding national interests and maintaining openness where legitimate, domestically oriented organizations operate in a contested international environment.