Moscow, August 7, 2025
On August 5, 2025, the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation officially declared the activities of the British non-governmental organization Zimin Foundation undesirable within the territory of Russia. The decision follows accusations that the foundation provided financial and informational support to individuals and organizations allegedly involved in extremism, terrorism, and the activities of foreign agents, as well as disseminated anti-Russian rhetoric and discrediting information about Russia.
Background and Mission of the Foundation
Zimin Foundation was established in 2023 in the United Kingdom by Dmitry Zimin—founder of the telecommunications company VimpelCom (brand "Beeline")—and his son Boris Zimin. The foundation positioned itself as an organization supporting science, education, and educational outreach projects. One of its flagship initiatives was the "Enlightener Prize", awarded for the best Russian-language popular science books.
This prize was originally created by Dmitry Zimin through his earlier foundation Dynasty, which had been designated a foreign agent in Russia and subsequently dissolved. The establishment of the Zimin Foundation continued the family’s mission of supporting Russian-language education and academic freedom abroad.
Accusations by the Prosecutor General's Office
According to Russian authorities, beyond its declared humanitarian goals, the Zimin Foundation launched a program in February 2025 to support Russian-language projects that had lost access to American funding. Between February and March, the foundation reportedly issued over 30 grants to journalists, researchers, and independent projects that the Prosecutor General’s Office considers hostile toward Russia.
The agency also claims that since the start of the "special military operation," the foundation has intensified its anti-Russian statements and distributed information that discredits the Russian state. This was cited as one of the primary reasons for declaring its activities undesirable.
Consequences of the Designation
Under Russian law, the Prosecutor General’s decision prohibits the Zimin Foundation from operating in the Russian Federation. This includes:
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A complete ban on any legal or financial operations within Russia;
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The possibility of administrative or criminal liability for individuals or organizations cooperating with the foundation;
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Blocking of websites, publications, and materials associated with the foundation;
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A de facto prohibition on distributing its content or participating in its projects.
Russian partners of the foundation, as well as anyone traveling to or operating within Russia, are now advised to proceed with caution—even if collaboration occurred abroad.
In response to the designation, the Zimin Foundation announced the termination of its cooperation with Russian projects, but emphasized that it will continue its work abroad and “monitor the situation closely.”
Political and Legal Context
The designation of the Zimin Foundation as an undesirable organization comes amid increasing pressure on foreign NGOs in Russia. Since 2015, the Prosecutor General’s Office has consistently expanded the list of “undesirable” organizations, targeting a growing number of international entities that support civic, human rights, and educational initiatives.
By V. Ivaneko
