UK mandates disclosure of pro-Russian activities, violators face prison

The UK government announced this on its official website.

As stated, from July 1, 2025, everyone acting in the interests of the Russian state in the United Kingdom must register their activities. Violations of this requirement may lead to criminal prosecution.

Russia has become the second country included in the new level of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme after Iran was added in March.

“For too long, the Kremlin has been responsible for unacceptable threats to our national security - from damaging cyber-attacks, malign attempts to interfere in our democratic processes and attempted assassinations in this country. Our new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme gives us the power to take much stronger action against any Russian threat. The new measures will make it harder for Russia to conduct hostile acts against us in future and demonstrate once again this government’s unshakable commitment to keep our country and our people safe,” emphasized Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

The UK Parliament also announced that the necessary regulations for the full implementation of the scheme have already been introduced. The full launch is scheduled for July 1, 2025. This also includes a political level, which will apply to all states and allow the government to better understand the extent of foreign influence on the country's political system.

The political level requires the registration of any activity involving political influence in the UK carried out on behalf of a foreign state. This will enable lawmakers to verify whether a counterpart is acting on behalf of a foreign state, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding interactions.

• On February 24, the UK unveiled its most extensive sanctions package against Russia since the start of the full-scale war, alongside a significant military aid package for Ukraine.