Russian paper closes as ‘foreign agent’ designation issued

The long-standing Moscow-based weekly newspaper Sobesednik is being forced to stop publication after being labeled a “foreign agent” by Russian authorities. The designation, announced on Sept. 13, accused the publication of spreading false information about government policies, spreading misinformation about the Russian military, and opposing the invasion of Ukraine. Sobesednik was also criticized for sharing content from other “foreign agents.”

In a statement quoted by independent broadcaster SOTAvision, correspondent Elena Milchanovska expressed regret over the suspension of all Sobesednik Publishing House outlets. The team plans to challenge the foreign agent designation in court and has thanked supporters for their encouragement.

Founded in 1984 as the Soviet Union’s first color newspaper, Sobesednik was distributed not only in Russia but also in neighboring countries. The newspaper gained attention earlier this year for publishing a special feature on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny following his death. Despite its storied history, Sobesednik will halt circulation for the next few months as it fights its foreign agent status in court.