Russia recently designated the anti-war Telegram news channel Astra as a “foreign agent”, accusing it of spreading “inaccurate information” to paint a negative image of the Russian military. Alongside Astra, individuals such as Nikolai Kavkazsky and Anton Khardin were also labeled as “foreign agents” by Russian authorities.
The “foreign agent” label is used to target those seen as enemies of the state, requiring them to submit financial reports and display disclaimers. Despite the designation, Astra, founded by journalist Anastasia Chumakova, has vowed to continue reporting on the Ukraine conflict.
The channel remains defiant, stating that while the law prohibits ad sales to Russians, readers can still share its content and make donations. This move highlights the ongoing censorship and control over information in Russia, as the government cracks down on dissenting voices.
As Astra faces pressure from authorities, its commitment to reporting on the conflict signals a determination to defy censorship and continue its important work.