Russia Bans Human Rights Watch as Crackdown on Foreign Organizations Deepens

Russia Bans Human Rights Watch as Crackdown on Foreign Organizations Deepens

Russia has declared Human Rights Watch (HRW) an “undesirable” organization, imposing a full ban on its activities inside the country as authorities continue targeting foreign groups critical of Russian policies. The designation criminalizes any cooperation with the New York–based rights organization and places donors, partners, and associates at risk of prosecution under Russian law.

Decision Formalizes the Expulsion of HRW

HRW was forced to shut down its Moscow office in 2022, but the latest order effectively blocks the group from operating in any capacity within Russia. The organization has consistently reported on human rights violations committed by Russian forces in Ukraine—allegations the Kremlin rejects—which has placed it among several international bodies Moscow has accused of undermining national interests.

In recent years, Russia’s Ministry of Justice has banned a number of foreign institutions, including Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund, Transparency International, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, labeling them as threats to state security or foreign agents.

Ban Coincides With Tensions Over Reports of U.S. Policy Shift

The move to outlaw HRW comes amid heightened geopolitical tension surrounding the war in Ukraine. According to a report published by the British newspaper The Telegraph, the United States is considering a proposal that could recognize certain territories currently controlled by Russia—including parts of Crimea—as Russian federation territory, even without Ukraine’s consent.

The report suggests that the draft U.S. proposal is intended to support a broader peace framework. An unnamed source was quoted saying Washington is prepared to prioritize its own approach even if European allies oppose such recognition.

Diplomatic Maneuvers and Kremlin Conditions

On Friday, Russian officials confirmed receipt of what they called a “refined strategy” for ending the conflict after discussions between American and Ukrainian delegations in Geneva. Moscow stated that Washington intends for talks on the proposal to proceed in the coming days.

The Kremlin also commented on what it described as a “legitimacy crisis” facing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of avoiding constitutionally required elections.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that any peace arrangement must include international recognition of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk as Russian territory. He said Russia would only halt military operations if Kyiv withdraws from areas Moscow claims as its own, warning that Russian forces would otherwise continue advancing.

Part of a Broader Effort to Control the Domestic Landscape

Russia’s decision to ban Human Rights Watch underscores its ongoing efforts to restrict foreign organizations during a period of sensitive diplomatic activity. As discussions over a possible settlement framework between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia gain momentum, Moscow continues to tighten internal controls by removing groups it views as hostile or aligned with Western interests.