Russia labels climate advocacy NGO Greenpeace as 'undesirable'

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia on Friday termed activities of Greenpeace, a global climate advocacy non-profit, as "undesirable" on its territory.

"It was established that the activities of the international non-governmental non-profit organization Greenpeace International ... pose a threat to the foundations of the constitutional order and security of the Russian Federation," the attorney general's office said in a statement.

It said environmental activities of the organization are accompanied by active promotion of the political position, attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the country and aimed at undermining its economic foundations.

"In particular, Greenpeace hinders the implementation of state programs by organizing information campaigns and mass actions that are not coordinated with the authorities," it added.

The statement said the purpose of Greenpeace's actions is "to form a negative public opinion and prevent the implementation of infrastructure and energy projects beneficial to the country."

"Since the beginning of the special operation in Ukraine, activists have been conducting anti-Russian propaganda, calling for further economic isolation of the state and tougher sanctions," it said.

Instead of carrying out its stated activities, the foundation's efforts are aimed at destabilizing the social and political situation, and attempting to change power in Russia unconstitutionally, it stressed.

Russians are prohibited from working with organizations recognized as "undesirable," and also taking part in their activities.

The organizations are subject to stricter regulation, including the necessity to inform about the sources of their funding.