Russia’s lawmakers have passed a controversial bill aimed at stripping “foreign agents” of income derived from property sales, royalty payments, and other assets, as part of the government’s ongoing crackdown on critics of the war in Ukraine.

The new legislation, passed on Tuesday, targets those labeled as “foreign agents,” a term used for individuals and entities seen as traitors or enemies of the state. These individuals will no longer be able to access funds from assets based in Russia, including income from property, vehicles, and intellectual property.

Key Provisions of the New Law

Under the bill, individuals designated as “foreign agents” must deposit any earnings from Russian-based assets into special rubles accounts, which can only be accessed once they are no longer labeled as such by the government. This move essentially blocks them from using their income streams until their status is lifted.

Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the lower-house State Duma, made it clear on Telegram that the law is designed to prevent those labeled as “foreign agents” from benefiting financially at the expense of Russia’s citizens. “Those who betrayed our country will not enrich themselves at the expense of its citizens,” he stated.

The bill requires these special accounts for income generated from the sale or rental of property, vehicles, interest on deposits, and dividends earned by “foreign agents.” It also extends to earnings from intellectual activities, including brands, scientific works, trademarks, as well as art, literature, performances, and broadcasting.

A Targeted Move Against War Critics

During the Duma vote, Volodin called “foreign agents” “scoundrels, traitors, and hirelings” who use their Russian-based earnings to fund causes seen as harmful to Russia, such as supporting the Ukrainian army. He reiterated the need to stop those who, in his view, are attempting to “destroy the country.”

The bill has already passed two readings in the Duma with unanimous support, and now it heads to the Federation Council for a final vote before being signed into law by President Vladimir Putin. 429 out of 450 Duma members are listed as co-authors of the bill.

The “Foreign Agent” Label: A Tool of Repression

Since Russia passed the controversial “foreign agent” law in 2012, hundreds of journalists, cultural figures, businesspeople, and media outlets have been branded with this label, which carries negative Soviet-era connotations. In 2023, the government expanded the scope of this law, including restrictions on political participation and advertising.

The Moscow Times, for example, was added to the “foreign agents” registry last year.

Tighter Restrictions and Growing Crackdowns

The Russian government has intensified its crackdown on those branded as “foreign agents” in 2023, including imposing severe restrictions on their ability to run for political office or advertise. Reports indicate that the number of criminal cases against “foreign agents” more than doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year.

This new bill is yet another step in the government’s efforts to silence dissent, targeting those who criticize the regime, especially over its actions in Ukraine. It signals a further tightening of the Kremlin’s control over cultural, political, and business figures deemed to be at odds with the government.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has introduced a significant amendment to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, signaling a new layer of tension in its standoff with Ukraine and the West. The updated policy permits the use of nuclear weapons in response to attacks by non-nuclear states—such as Ukraine—if they are supported by nuclear-armed allies like the United States. While this move might appear to lower the threshold for nuclear action, world leaders and analysts remain largely unconvinced of its immediate threat.

A Calculated Signal?

The timing of this announcement was notable, coinciding with Ukraine’s first use of U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian targets. Observers suggest this may have been a calculated response to Western military support for Ukraine. However, experts argue that this policy adjustment is more about deterrence and propaganda than a genuine shift in nuclear strategy.

Global Reactions

Western leaders have downplayed the implications of this doctrinal shift:

• U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said there was no evidence of any imminent Russian nuclear deployment, emphasizing that the U.S. remains vigilant but unmoved by “saber-rattling.”
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled Russia’s threats as “irresponsible rhetoric,” affirming unwavering support for Ukraine.
• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot dismissed the change as a political move, stating, “We are not intimidated.”
• EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell condemned the threat as “completely irresponsible.”

Experts Weigh In

Many analysts view the doctrine update as a continuation of Russia’s longstanding efforts to influence Western policy through intimidation:

• Keir Giles from Chatham House believes this adjustment aligns with Moscow’s attempts to deter the U.S. from further supporting Ukraine.
• William Alberque, a former arms control expert, noted that the ultimate decision to deploy nuclear weapons remains solely in Putin’s hands, making these changes largely symbolic.

Russia’s Threats Intensify

Kremlin officials and Russian advocates have echoed dire warnings tied to the doctrine:

• Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russian intelligence, warned NATO allies that aiding Ukraine in long-range strikes could provoke serious retaliation.
• Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian President and current deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, escalated tensions further, suggesting that NATO-backed missile attacks on Russia could trigger a nuclear response and even World War III.

Strategic Gamble or Empty Bluff?

Despite the heightened rhetoric, analysts argue that a nuclear strike remains unlikely due to strategic and political risks:

• Pavel Podvig, an expert on Russia’s nuclear forces, noted that deploying nuclear weapons would offer little military advantage and could alienate Russia’s allies, leading to severe global consequences.
• Podvig added, however, that the unpredictability of the Kremlin means the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed.

A Propaganda Tool

Ultimately, Putin’s doctrine adjustment seems to serve more as a psychological weapon aimed at undermining Western resolve. With the war in Ukraine grinding on, Russia’s attempt to capitalize on nuclear fears may be less about military strategy and more about influencing global narratives.

Conclusion

While the risks of escalation remain real, experts and global leaders are clear-eyed about the limited immediate impact of Russia’s revised nuclear policy. The West’s collective resolve to support Ukraine continues to stand firm against the Kremlin’s threats, revealing a growing resilience in the face of intimidation.

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