Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has intensified the persecution of its citizens abroad. Over three years, the number of documented cases of transnational repression has increased eightfold.
This was reported by Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, citing a report by the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova.
The document, "Nowhere to Hide: Exporting the ‘Rule of Fear’ Beyond the Country – Transnational Repression by the Russian Federation", describes nearly 400 cases of persecution by Russia of citizens living abroad, as well as other people the Kremlin considers its opponents.
Before the full-scale war, over eight years an average of 29 such cases were recorded per year. After 2022, the average rose to 89 cases.
According to Katzarova, Russia has created a state system of surveillance, intimidation and punishment targeting critics of the regime who have left the country. Pressure also extends to their relatives who remain in Russia.
"Leaving Russia does not mean leaving Russian repression behind," the UN Special Rapporteur noted.
Among the methods of persecution cited in the report are killings, attempted assassinations, assaults and poisonings. According to the document, at least nine FSB units are involved in such operations, as well as Russia’s military and foreign intelligence services, the prosecutor’s office and federal ministries.
In addition, Moscow uses international mechanisms to track down and detain people abroad. In particular, Russia actively submits so-called red notices to Interpol. At the same time, around half of the requests filed in 2024 were cancelled by the organisation’s headquarters.
Co-operation between Russia and partner states remains a separate tool. According to the report, through such mechanisms Moscow seeks to pursue abroad people it considers disloyal to the Russian regime.