British intel: Kremlin uses "foreign agent" designation to manipulate public opinion

Russian leadership successfully using the "foreign agent" designation as a tool to manipulate public opinion, UK Defence Ministry Intelligence daily update on the situation in Ukraine says, Caliber.Az reports.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 03 October 2023.

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According to the ministry, 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.

On September 26, 2023, VTsIOM reported the results of a poll of Russians’ attitudes towards people and organisations registered as "foreign agents".

VTsIOM claimed 61 per cent 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.

In July 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved amendments to the 2012 "Foreign Agents Law," widely used to repress regime opponents.

The 2012 law defined "foreign agents" as individuals or organizations who have received financial support from abroad. The amendments extend the definition to those merely under the undefined "influence or pressure" of foreign actors. The Ministry of Justice also has the power to publish the personal details and addresses of designated "foreign agents," almost certainly placing them at risk of harassment.

According to the UK intel, such 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.