Russia describes Greenpeace as an “unwanted organization” on its soil

Russia on Friday declared environmental NGO Greenpeace “undesirable”, banning its activities in the country, amid a crackdown on dissenting voices since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The organization, headquartered in the Netherlands, is carrying out campaigns to raise awareness of climate change, warn of forest fires, and protect animals.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement that Greenpeace represents a “threat to the foundations of the constitutional order and security” in Russia, and is working to “overthrow the system in an unconstitutional way.”

The Public Prosecution also accused the organization of encouraging “interference” in Russia’s internal affairs, seeking to “undermine its economic foundations” and financing Russian organizations classified by the authorities as “foreign agents”.

The Public Prosecution Office criticized the environmental organization’s organization of “regularly … media campaigns” aimed at “preventing the realization of infrastructure and energy projects that benefit” Russia, in addition to launching “anti-Russian propaganda” campaigns and urging “strengthening sanctions” against it since its invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

The Russian branch of the organization, which opened in 1992, conducts activities to raise awareness of climate change, prevent forest fires and pollution, and preserve endangered animals.

According to the non-governmental organization “OVD-Info”, it is forbidden for organizations classified as “undesirable” to open headquarters, establish projects or publish information.

Since the start of the attack on Ukraine early last year, the Russian authorities have stepped up the crackdown on dissenting voices. This was not limited to the political sphere, as it also affected cultural circles and environmental organizations. And in March, Russia designated the WWF an “foreign agent,” which greatly impedes its work in the country.