The announcement of the recognition of Elton John's foundations as 'undesirable' on the territory of the Russian Federation states the main goals of the foundations' work — 'providing support to public associations for the prevention and fight against AIDS among the most vulnerable groups'. At the same time, the agency believes that 'to a greater extent' Elton John's foundations are 'focused on promoting non-traditional sexual relationships, Western family models, and gender change'. The foundations 'have a negative attitude towards the policies of countries that protect traditional spiritual and moral values', 'participate in the West's information campaign to discredit Russia', and 'promote anti-Russian initiatives under the guise of humanitarian projects'.
Elton John AIDS Foundation was founded by British singer Elton John. In 1992, the foundation was established in the USA, and in 1993 — in the UK. They are one of the largest charitable organizations in the world fighting AIDS. In Russia, the foundation supported projects for the prevention and treatment of HIV, but after 2022, its activities were restricted.
The register of 'undesirable' organizations has been maintained in Russia since 2015. Foreign or international organizations that, according to the authorities, pose a 'threat to the foundations of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation, the country's defense capability, or state security' can be recognized as 'undesirable'. Such organizations are prohibited from operating in the country. Currently, there are more than 200 organizations in the register.
Participation in the activities of an 'undesirable organization' is punishable by administrative liability in the form of a fine from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. In the case of a repeated violation within a year after the first fine for participating in the activities of an 'undesirable' organization, criminal liability ensues, ranging from fines of 300 to 500 thousand rubles to imprisonment from one year to four years. Moreover, this also applies to participation in activities outside of Russia.