Through an official statement, Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office announced the suspension of the activities of the British non-governmental organization, The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI).
Top Channel has learned that this decision also affects Albanian academic Andi Hoxhaj, who is an Associate Fellow at RUSI. As a result, Hoxhaj is now considered persona non grata in Russia.
According to the Russian notification sent to the British institute:
“If members and employees resign from the Institute and no longer have any formal association, their entry into Russia will be permitted.”
Founded in 1831 in the United Kingdom, RUSI presents itself as the world’s oldest independent think tank engaged in defense, global security, and international relations research.
Russia accuses the organization of being funded by British authorities, the European Commission, NATO member states, and what it calls “undesirable organizations” in its territory.
The Russian statement continues:
“A considerable part of its materials and activities are dedicated to research on Russia’s political and military spheres. RUSI members regularly organize trainings and seminars where, under the pretext of countering an imaginary Russian threat, they discuss military and intelligence operations, warfare development methods, and the creation of new weapons.”
Furthermore, Russia claims that RUSI members publish articles accusing Moscow of attempts to annex Europe, discrediting the West, and interfering in other countries’ elections. The statement also says:
“Many of these materials call on NATO members to unite in order to exert the most destructive impact on the Russian economy. Since the beginning of the special military operation, the anti-Russia rhetoric has intensified; RUSI members have urged states and citizens to support Ukraine and strengthen sanctions pressure against Russia.”
