US EditionRussia labels DW an 'undesirable organization'
Russia criminalizes cooperation with Deutsche Welle after labeling it undesirable; DW's Russian service reached 10 million weekly users in 2025 despite censorship.
- On August 20, 2024, following a State Duma request, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office classified Deutsche Welle as an "undesirable organization".
- Amid earlier restrictions, Deutsche Welle faced a broadcast ban, its Moscow studio was forced to relocate, and its website was blocked across all languages in Russia.
- DW Russian attracts around 10 million weekly users in 2025, and DW's TV, online and radio services reach 337 million weekly; Massing said it's "despite censorship and blocking by the Russian government."
- Under Russian law, cooperation with listed organisations is a criminal offence punishable by fines or imprisonment, and sharing content on social media is illegal even outside Russia, putting Russian employees of DW at risk amid pressure on foreign‑funded media.
- DW now joins several media outlets labelled 'undesirable', including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Bellingcat, and vows to continue independent reporting on Ukraine and other restricted topics.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Deutsche Welle has been declared an "undesired organisation" in Russia.
Tagesschau
KurierThe Russian justice system is intensifying its action against Deutsche Welle and has declared the German foreign broadcaster an "unwanted organisation". The director of the broadcaster criticized the decision with clear words.
The work of the media in Russia will be prohibited, and cooperation with it will be regarded as a violation of the law.
Russia is tightening up its course against Deutsche Welle: even those who share contributions from the German foreign broadcaster are making themselves punishable. The broadcaster wants to avoid censorship further – he reaches more people than ever before.
Welt
Die PresseAn attack on the freedom of the press: The prosecutor's office in Russia has apparently classified the German foreign broadcaster Deutsche Welle as an "unwanted organisation". The broadcaster wants to avoid censorship.
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- 38% of the sources are Center, 37% of the sources lean Right
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