The Russian justice ministry has designated former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov as a "foreign agent," a term commonly employed to suppress anti-Kremlin opposition.

Kasyanov, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, departed Russia shortly after the country's extensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

While serving as Prime Minister during Putin's initial presidential term from 2000 to 2004, Kasyanov has since denounced Russia's actions in Ukraine. As a liberal financial expert, he currently resides in exile.

The "foreign agent" list, which includes numerous Kremlin critics and civil society figures, was historically associated with espionage.

Individuals on this list are obligated to clarify their "foreign agent" status in their publications, including on social media, and are required to provide the authorities with detailed updates on their sources of funding. Additionally, their involvement in Russian political activities is limited.

The justice ministry said Mr Kasyanov "opposed the special military operation in Ukraine" and was "a member of the Russian Anti-War Committee, an association whose activities are aimed at discrediting Russian foreign and domestic policy".

Originally the "foreign agent" law was applied to non-governmental organizations that received foreign funding, but it has been expanded to include individuals and media - whether Russian or foreign - deemed to be "under the foreign influence".

In May Russia's Supreme Court ordered the liquidation of the Party of People's Freedom (Parnas) led by Mr Kasyanov. The small liberal opposition party formerly included Boris Nemtsov, one of the most vocal anti-Putin critics, who was shot dead near the Kremlin in 2015.

Noted