Russia labels DW 'undesirable organization'
This decision followed a request from the State Duma on August 20, 2024.
DW Director General Barbara Massing: "Russia may label us an undesirable organization, but that won’t deter us. This latest attempt to silence free media highlights the Russian regime’s blatant disregard for press freedom and exposes its fear of independent information. Despite censorship and blocking of our services by the Russian government, DW's Russian-language service now reaches more people than ever before. We will continue to report independently – on the war of aggression against Ukraine and other topics about which little information is available in Russia. So that people can form their own opinions."
In Russia, cooperating with "undesirable organizations" is a criminal offense, subject to heavy fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. Even sharing content from such organizations—such as posting their journalistic work on social media—is considered a crime. For Russian citizens, the ban on cooperation also applies outside Russian territory. This means that Russian employees of DW are particularly affected.
Since March 2022, DW has been labeled a "foreign agent" in Russia, a designation used by Russia for individuals, media and organizations funded from abroad. Prior to this, DW faced a broadcasting ban,its Moscow studio was forced to relocate, and its website was blocked across all languages in Russia. Being labeled an "undesirable organization" is an escalation of the crackdown on DW. The decision is made by the Russian Prosecutor General or his representatives. The organization concerned is then entered into the relevant register. DW has not yet received any official notification from the Russian authorities.
In addition to DW, numerous media organizations, NGOs, and foundations are considered “undesirable organizations,” including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Bellingcat, CORRECTIV, Reporters Without Borders and TV Rain.
Censorship Circumvention for DW Users in Russia
To help users in Russia continue accessing independent information, DW is increasingly relying on digital platforms and offering tools to bypass censorship, such as the Tor browser, VPN access, and the DW app. In addition, the new DW Access app offers users another secure way to circumvent censorship and stay informed. Users can download it via the dedicated DW platform www.access-unlocked.org or share it directly via messenger services or Bluetooth.
DW Russian reaches around 10 million weekly users in 2025, mostly through video content. This makes DW Russian one of DW's top 10 most-used services. DW also produces a daily 30-minute Russian-language video news program, DW Novosti, and the satirical show Zapovednik, produced in Riga, remains popular.
Since March 2024, DW’s Russian-language programming has also been included in the TV-Swoboda ("Freedom") package by Reporters Without Borders. This package features around 20 independent Russian-language TV and radio channels, broadcast via Eutelsat-Hotbird satellites.
