The Russian government has declared Stanford University in the United States an "undesirable" organization and added it to the list of foreign structures banned from operating in the country. According to Bloomberg, this decision was made by Russia's Ministry of Justice, though details have not been disclosed. Stanford University, founded in 1891 in California, is considered one of the world's most prestigious private universities.

As reported by Interfax, the decision followed a relevant conclusion from the Prosecutor General's Office. Since 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, over 200 foreign organizations have been declared "undesirable" as part of efforts to combat external influence and ideas, including Yale University, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the British Council.

The Kremlin also utilizes a "foreign agent" law to suppress critical voices. Under this law, more than 1,000 organizations and individuals must comply with strict reporting requirements and label their activities as "foreign agents." This policy is aimed at restricting independent thought and international connections within the country.

In July 2025, Yale University was found "undesirable" after the Prosecutor General's Office claimed its activities were directed at "undermining Russia's territorial integrity." According to TASS, earlier this year, the University of California (Berkeley), Tufts University, and its Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy were also added to the list. These actions highlight Russia's expanding crackdown on international academic and human rights organizations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Source: www.gazeta.uz