UK intel: Russian authorities successfully using 'foreign agent' concept to spread anti-West, pro-war narratives

03.10.2023 11:42

Ukrinform

New polling by Russia's state-owned Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VTsIOM) suggests that the authorities are successfully using the "foreign agent" designation as a tool to manipulate public opinion behind the state’s anti-West, pro-war narratives.

The UK Defense Ministry said this in an intelligence update posted to X (formerly known as Twitter), Ukrinform reports.

The ministry said that on September 26, 2023, VTsIOM reported the results of a poll of Russians' attitudes towards people and organizations registered as "foreign agents." VTsIOM claimed 61% of those surveyed said that they considered "foreign agents" to be "traitors" who "disseminate lies" about Russia.

"Russia has broadened the foreign agent legislation since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The measures significantly narrow the information space within Russia, making it increasingly difficult to articulate any viewpoint, including dissenting about the war, which deviates from the official line," the ministry said.

In early September, the Russian Justice Ministry designated nine people as "foreign agents," including a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, journalist Dmitry Muratov.