Russian opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin has announced that he has left Russia after being designated a “foreign agent” by the Kremlin last month, a move that effectively prevents him from participating in the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
In a video posted from Paris, standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, the 63-year-old politician confirmed his departure from Russia.
“Hello everyone. I have some good news. I am alive and free. Unfortunately, I am not in Russia at the moment,” Nadezhdin said in the video.
Nadezhdin gained international attention in 2024 when he attempted to challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin in the presidential election on an anti-war platform. However, Russia’s electoral authorities barred his candidacy, claiming that a significant number of the supporting signatures he submitted were invalid.
Last month, Russia’s Ministry of Justice added Nadezhdin to its list of “foreign agents” shortly after he announced plans to run in the September State Duma elections.
The ministry accused him of spreading false information about the Russian government and encouraging participation in unauthorized public demonstrations. Under Russian law, the “foreign agent” designation carries extensive legal and political restrictions, including significant obstacles to standing for public office.
Nadezhdin’s departure highlights the continued pressure on opposition figures in Russia, where critics of the government and the war in Ukraine have faced increasing legal restrictions, prosecutions and political exclusion.
