The UK government has designated Russia a top-tier threat under its new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), requiring Moscow to register all political influence activities in Britain. The move, set to take effect on July 1, aims to counter escalating national security risks posed by Russian espionage, cyberattacks, and interference in domestic politics.
UK Tightens Measures on Russian Influence Operations
British Security Minister Dan Jarvis announced the decision in Parliament on Tuesday, confirming that Russian government entities—including its armed forces, intelligence services, and political parties—must register under FIRS. The classification places Russia in the highest risk category, reflecting the severity of its activities targeting the UK.
“Russia presents an acute threat to UK national security,” Jarvis stated. He referenced ongoing threats such as arson, espionage, cyberattacks, and attempts to undermine British lawmakers and democratic institutions.
UK-Russia Tensions Remain High Over Ukraine Conflict
Relations between Moscow and London have sharply deteriorated amid the UK’s support for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. British officials say the Kremlin’s aggression has revealed a broader strategy to destabilize both European and global security, justifying stronger countermeasures.
FIRS to Strengthen Transparency and Counter Foreign Threats
The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme is part of a wider legislative push to increase transparency and curb hostile state activity. Under the new rules, individuals and entities working on behalf of a designated state must declare their influence-related activity within the UK.
Russia joins Iran, which was placed under the same top-tier classification last month, as the UK moves to expose and monitor malign foreign influence.
Jarvis said the new requirements are essential to “ensure that the British public and our democratic institutions are protected from covert manipulation.”
