Russia declares UK-based Zimin Foundation "undesirable organisation"

Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated the Zimin Foundation, a UK-registered non-governmental organisation, as “undesirable” on Russian territory.

The foundation, established in 2023 in the United Kingdom, claims to support science and education, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

However, Russian authorities allege it has been involved in activities deemed harmful to national security.

According to a statement carried by the state news agency, prosecutors accused the foundation of providing “financial and informational support” to individuals and organisations linked to extremism, terrorism, and foreign agents.

Under Russian law, organisations labelled as undesirable are banned from operating in the country, and anyone cooperating with them may face administrative or criminal penalties.

The move comes amid a broader crackdown on foreign-linked institutions and civil society groups, many of which have faced increasing restrictions since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The Zimin Foundation is a philanthropic organisation founded by entrepreneur and engineer Dr Dmitry Borisovich Zimin (1933–2021) and his son Boris Zimin, dedicated to advancing science and education worldwide.

Dr Zimin, the founder and honorary president of Vimpelcom (known for the Beeline brand), which was the first Russian company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1996, retired in 2001 and committed 90% of his wealth to philanthropic efforts.

From 2002, the family’s charitable work primarily focused on Russia through the Dynasty Foundation, which supported thousands of students, scientists, and educators, published over 100 popular science books, and organised numerous science outreach events.

However, in 2015, the Russian Ministry of Justice designated the Dynasty Foundation as a “foreign agent,” leading to its closure.

Since then, the Zimin Foundation has continued the family’s philanthropic mission on a global scale, with Boris Zimin leading the foundation’s activities following his father’s passing in December 2021.

By Aghakazim Guliyev