Russia Bans British Council, Oxford Russia Fund as Undesirable

Russia has officially banned the activities of the British Council and the Oxford Russia Fund, labeling them as "undesirable organizations" due to alleged intelligence and subversive operations within the country. The Federal Security Service (FSB) accused the Oxford Russia Fund of harming national security by maintaining covert relations with Russian academic staff and promoting LGBT values, while gathering sensitive information amid the Ukraine conflict. The Prosecutor General's Office stated that the British Council operates under the guise of educational and cultural activities but actually advances British government priorities, supports the LGBT movement outlawed in Russia, and discredits Russian domestic and foreign policies. Moscow views Britain as a provocateur and instigator of global crises, accusing it of organizing coups and fomenting conflicts. These designations outlaw the organizations' work in Russia and expose collaborators to potential criminal charges, reflecting Russia's broader crackdown on Western-backed groups amid ongoing tensions with the UK. The British Council, previously ordered to cease operations in Russia in 2018, has not yet responded to the latest designation.