Russian authorities on Wednesday labeled the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) environmental advocacy NGO an “undesirable” organization, a designation that renders all of its activities illegal in Russia.
The Prosecutor General’s Office accused the Switzerland-based WWF of “threatening” Russia’s economy and “interfering” with Russia’s internal affairs as well as “financing” the activities of Russian organizations designated as “foreign agents.”
The Russian government previously classified WWF Russia as a “foreign agent” in March, despite the organization’s claim that its goal is “to protect endangered species and preserve the nature of Russia.”
The decision to ban coincides with a tightening of restrictions on environmental organisations in Russia.
Following its prohibition as a “undesirable” organisation last month, Greenpeace Russia, which helped combat Russia’s seasonal wildfires, announced its liquidation.
