Russian Justice Ministry Labels Politician Boris Nadezhdin as Foreign Agent

Russia's Ministry of Justice announced on Tuesday that it has added opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin to the register of foreign agents. Nadezhdin, who attempted to run for president in 2024 as an anti-war candidate, was ultimately not registered.

The ministry stated that Nadezhdin participated in creating and distributing materials of foreign agents and collaborated with an organization deemed undesirable in Russia. He allegedly spread false information about state decisions, policies, and the electoral system, and called for participation in unsanctioned rallies and pickets.

Nadezhdin commented on social media, calling the move expected and accusing the authorities of trying to eliminate dangerous opponents ahead of State Duma elections. He promised a “bright and asymmetric” response.

According to Radio Liberty, Nadezhdin was nominated for the 2024 presidential election by the subsequently liquidated party “Civil Initiative.” He was one of two potential candidates who openly opposed the war. He was allowed to collect signatures but was ultimately denied registration. In May 2024, the other candidate, Yekaterina Duntsova, was also labeled a foreign agent.

Meduza reported that in mid-June 2026, Nadezhdin submitted documents to the Central Election Commission to run for the State Duma as a self-nominated candidate and began collecting signatures. Since May 2024, foreign agents in Russia have been banned from participating in elections.