EU Sanctions Nikolay Malinov's International Russophile Movement

The European Union has sanctioned the International Russophile Movement, chaired by Nikolay Malinov. The sanctions include the freezing of assets and a ban on entry into EU member states. The EU's reasoning is that the International Russophile Movement spreads manipulations and destabilising messages on behalf of the Russian government.

The movement maintains close ties with Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from which it receives support for its activities.

The European Council noted that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has delivered speeches at the movement’s congresses. The group is also linked to Kremlin ideologue Alexander Dugin and media oligarch Konstantin Malofeev.

According to the EU, the Russian government uses the movement as a front to manipulate public opinion in other countries, promote anti-Western sentiment, and uphold other Kremlin-aligned agendas.

Malinov has served as chairman of the International Russophile Movement since its founding in 2023. A former MP from the Coalition for Bulgaria, he is known for his pro-Russian stance. In Bulgaria, he faces espionage charges in favour of Russia. Malinov has also been sanctioned by the United States under the Magnitsky Act over allegations of corruption and influence serving Russian interests.