The agency's press release stated that in February 2025, the foundation launched the 'Program to Support Russian-language Projects Left Without American Funding' and allocated more than 30 'grants for the implementation of projects by journalists and scientists hostile towards Russia'. This refers to the program that Boris Zimin* launched together with Mikhail Khodorkovsky*.
Furthermore, the Prosecutor General's Office claims that 'against the backdrop of the special military operation, the foundation intensified anti-Russian rhetoric, spreading discrediting information about Russia'. Moreover, according to the agency, the foundation 'provides financial and informational assistance to individuals involved in extremist activities and terrorism'.
The Zimin Foundation charitable fund was founded in 2016 by Dmitry and Boris Zimin 'with the aim of developing science and education for the benefit of humanity'. The foundation supports science and education. With its support, the 'Enlightener' award is given for the best popular science book in Russian.
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.
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 case of repeated violation within a year after the first fine for participation in the activities of an 'undesirable' organization, criminal liability ensues, ranging from fines of 300 to 500 thousand rubles to imprisonment from one to four years. This also applies to participation in activities outside of Russia.
* Recognized in Russia as 'foreign agents'.