Pressure on Environmental Activists in Russia Is Rising Again

Sevr Nuu

Statistics of pressure types in 2025: Administrative fines, Detentions without reports, Assaults, Refusal to hold rallies, New criminal cases, Property damage, Administrative arrests, Civil cases, Designation as foreign agents, Real prison terms, Dismissals, Suspended sentences, Designation as an undesirable organization, Fatal cases

The Communication Environmental Agency and the Ecological Crisis Group have released their annual review of pressure on environmental activists in Russia. According to expert Vitaliy Servetnik, 151 incidents of pressure were recorded in 2025, affecting 155 activists, 26 grassroots initiatives, and two environmental organizations.

As he noted, after a decline in previous years the situation is worsening again. While about 300 cases of pressure were recorded in 2022, the number dropped to 95 cases in 2024, but 2025 has already shown a new increase.

Administrative cases, fines, and arrests remain the most common tools used against environmental defenders. The total amount of administrative fines in 2025 reached 375,000 rubles, the highest level in the past three years. In addition, 12 new criminal cases were opened, and one environmental activist died as a result of arson.

Experts also highlight growing pressure on representatives of Indigenous peoples. In 2025, Indigenous rights defender from the Selkup people Daria Egereva was arrested and charged with participation in the activities of a “terrorist organization.” At the same time, searches and interrogations were carried out involving at least 15 representatives of Indigenous peoples across several regions of Russia, including the Altai Republic, Tomsk Region, Krasnoyarsk Krai, and the Sakha Republic.

The report also notes the prosecution of environmental activists for their anti-war stance following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. From 2022 to 2026, pressure affected 89 environmental activists, and 22 of them have already received prison sentences.

Source: Activatica.org

Graphic: Environmental Crisis Group