Russian opposition figures and Kremlin critics living in exile are facing escalating pressure and threats as Moscow steps up efforts to silence dissent beyond its borders. With domestic opposition largely crushed, the Russian government appears to be turning its attention to opponents who have sought refuge abroad, viewing them as traitors and enemies of the state.
Several exiled activists and journalists have reported being contacted by police in Western countries with warnings about potential threats to their safety. Dmitry Gudkov, a Russian opposition politician living in exile in Europe, describes being intercepted by British police at London's Luton Airport last summer. The officers informed him he was on a list of people considered to be in danger and inquired about his travel plans and contact details. Gudkov, who is wanted in Russia for allegedly spreading fake news about the military, co-founded an organization opposing the war in Ukraine.
Other critics have faced more direct intimidation. Investigative journalist Alesya Marokhovskaya received threatening messages revealing personal information about her life in Prague, including details about her dog and travel plans. The specificity of the information suggested access to high-level documents, leading Marokhovskaya to suspect Russian state involvement. She had previously been labeled a foreign agent by Russian authorities for her work with an independent news outlet.
Experts say the campaign against exiled opponents is intensifying as Russian security services regroup and find new purpose after initial disruptions caused by diplomat expulsions following the invasion of Ukraine. Andrei Soldatov, a journalist specializing in intelligence matters, notes that agencies have received fresh resources and are increasing pressure on critics abroad. Mark Galeotti suggests authorities are increasingly turning to criminal proxies to carry out attacks and intimidation, as demonstrated by the hammer assault on activist Leonid Volkov in Lithuania.
The Russian government is also employing administrative measures to complicate life for exiled opponents. Some activists have had their Russian passports unexpectedly canceled, leaving them unable to obtain travel documents or handle legal matters in Russia. This tactic effectively traps them abroad and cuts off their ability to resolve issues back home. Olesya Krivtsova, a young activist who fled Russia after facing arrest for anti-war posts, discovered her passport had been invalidated after escaping to Norway.
The intensified campaign appears aimed at deterring the formation of organized opposition movements abroad and instilling fear in critics. By demonstrating their reach beyond Russian borders, authorities hope to silence dissenting voices and discourage others from speaking out. The message being sent is that opponents cannot feel safe even in Western democracies.
For many exiled Russians, the increased pressure shatters any illusions of security they may have had after leaving their homeland. The realization that Russian intelligence services can potentially reach them almost anywhere in Europe has left many feeling vulnerable and constantly on guard. Some have been forced to move homes, change routines, or limit their travel to certain countries where Russian operatives are believed to have less freedom of movement.
Western governments are taking note of the growing threat. In the UK, new legislation has been introduced giving police expanded powers to counter hostile state activities. Counter-terrorism units are also dedicating more resources to addressing threats from states like Russia. However, the use of proxies and cyber attacks makes it challenging to directly link intimidation efforts to Moscow, complicating law enforcement responses.
