Moscow:
Former Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev has been designated as a “foreign agent” by Russia for his outspoken criticism of President Putin and his stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. The Ministry of Justice accused Mr. Kozyrev of spreading misinformation about the country.
Andrei Kozyrev, who served as foreign minister under Boris Yeltsen, advocated for close ties with the West to liberalize Russia’s economy during a period of economic turmoil in the 1990s. However, he later became a vocal critic of Putin’s policies and eventually moved to the United States in 2010.
Since relocating, Mr. Kozyrev has continued to condemn Putin’s actions, particularly in Ukraine. He has actively opposed Russia’s military intervention and has been vocal about his disapproval of the government’s actions.
Russia’s current foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, was once Mr. Kozyrev’s deputy, but their relationship soured over time. Following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, Mr. Kozyrev publicly criticized Lavrov and the Russian government.
The Justice Ministry accused Mr. Kozyrev of collaborating with foreign entities to spread anti-Russia propaganda, leading to his designation as a “foreign agent.” This designation requires individuals to disclose their status on all platforms and report financial transactions.
In response, Mr. Kozyrev dismissed the label, calling it a reflection of the regime’s ignorance. He expressed solidarity with others who have been similarly labeled by the Russian government.
