Ex-Russian PM designated as ‘terrorist’

Russian authorities have added former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov and economist Sergey Guriev to their official list of “terrorists and extremists”. Both individuals, who have been outspoken critics of Russia’s military operation against Ukraine, now reside abroad and have been outside the country for years. The notice was published by Russia’s financial watchdog Rosfinmonitoring on Monday, but the entry offered no explanation for the designation. However, Moscow designated Kasyanov as “foreign agent” in 2023, saying that he had been “actively taking part in the creation and distribution” of materials by other foreign agents and spreading “false information aimed at tarnishing Russian authorities.” Officials also said Kasyanov opposed Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine and participated in the “Anti-War Committee of Russia,” an expat organization created in early 2022 shortly after the outbreak of full-scale hostilities between Moscow and Kiev. At the peak of his career, Kasyanov led Russia’s government between 2000 and 2004. After leaving office, Kasyanov joined the opposition and later led the liberal-democratic Party of People’s Freedom (PARNAS), which was liquidated by the Russian Supreme Court in 2023. His critics in Russia have often referred to him by the nickname “Misha two per cent,” a moniker that emerged from long-standing corruption allegations he has denied. Guriev, rector of the New Economic School from 2004 to 2013 and now also residing abroad, was earlier accused by Moscow of creating and distributing materials by foreign agents and speaking out against Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine. Those placed on the “terrorists and extremists” register face an immediate freeze of domestic assets and strict limits on financial transactions within Russia.