Why Russia blacklisted Yale University? Hint: There’s a Navalny angle to this

Russia on Tuesday (local time) blacklisted Yale University branding it an "undesirable organistaion", accusing the US institution of facilitating the "deterioration of the socio-economic and political situation” and training anti-Kremlin activists, including associates of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

According to the prosecutor general’s office, Yale’s activities “are aimed at undermining Russia’s territorial integrity, supporting an international blockade of the country, destabilizing its economic foundations and contributing to the deterioration of the socio-economic and political situation,” Moscow Times reported.

Russian authorities claim Yale University offers scholarships to foreign “opposition leaders,” including members of Alexei Navalny’s banned anti-corruption Foundation, who allegedly applied their Yale training to intensify protest movements within Russia.

It also accused Yale of aiding legal efforts to justify the seizure of frozen Russian assets abroad, allegedly to redirect them toward funding Ukraine’s military.

Being labeled “undesirable” in Russia prohibits organizations from operating in the country and exposes anyone affiliated with them to potential criminal charges.