The Ministry of Justice of Russia entered two people into the register of natural persons – "foreign agents": the coordinator of the "Spring" movement Bogdan Litvin and the ex-employee of the headquarters of Alexei Navalny, an activist of "Spring" Timofey Martynenko.
Ukraine is listed as their "foreign source" of funding.
The Vesna movement consistently opposes the war in Ukraine unleashed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the end of September, the St. Petersburg prosecutor's office demanded that the movement be recognized as "extremist" and banned in Russia.
According to the prosecutor's office, "his activities are aimed at undermining public security and the foundations of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation." "Spring" supposedly "creates conditions for destabilizing the social and socio-political situation in the country" and also "forms public opinion about the need for a change of power."
Bohdan Lytvyn responded to the order of the Ministry of Justice: “Foreign agents in our country have long been recognized as those who advocate for our country to have a future. I do not consider this a reward, because for many people who were recognized as foreign agents, this created difficulties. But after the May criminal case, honestly, I don’t care anymore.”
“I will not comply with any requirements. Never received money from Ukraine. Russia will be free and I will not rest until that happens. Well, yes, burn in hell, Putin's mongrels,” said Martynenko.
Viasna activists organized large anti-war rallies in Russia, as well as protests against Putin's announced mobilization. In May they were searched.