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Russia Blacklists Yale University, Citing Threats to National Security
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia’s Prosecutor General has designated Yale University as an “undesirable organization,” alleging that the US-based institution is engaged in activities aimed at undermining the country’s national security and economic stability.
According to a statement released on July 8, Russian authorities claim that Yale has supported initiatives “to destabilize the socio-economic and political situation” within Russia.
The Prosecutor General’s Office also accused the university of promoting efforts to isolate Russia internationally and of contributing to the erosion of the country’s territorial integrity.
The announcement alleges that Yale provides scholarships to train foreign nationals, including individuals affiliated with Alexei Navalny ’s banned Anti-Corruption Foundation. These individuals, the statement claims, used their education to increase protest activity inside Russia.
Additionally, the Prosecutor General’s Office asserted that Yale has played a role in developing legal frameworks for the confiscation of frozen Russian assets in the West, with the alleged goal of redirecting those funds to support Ukraine’s military.
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The designation prohibits the Ivy League institution from conducting any activities on Russian territory. Individuals associated with “undesirable organizations” may face criminal prosecution under Russian law, including up to four years in prison, while leaders of such entities risk up to six years.
Yale University has not yet issued a public response to the designation.
Russia first enacted the “undesirable organizations” law in 2015. The legislation has since been used to ban a wide range of foreign institutions, NGOs, and media outlets. The list currently includes several Western universities and publications.
Earlier, Russia announced plans to establish its own international development agency modeled after USAID, aiming to expand global influence through state-backed humanitarian initiatives. According to Rossotrudnichestvo head Yevgeny Primakov, the new agency will streamline foreign aid operations to boost Russia’s soft power abroad. The move comes amid the rollback of US global aid programs under President Donald Trump.
