Russia’s Justice Ministry on Friday designated the independent online news outlet Novaya Gazeta as a “foreign agent.” Authorities claimed Novaya Gazeta publicly opposed the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, spread “false information” about elections and collaborated with other “foreign agents.” Hundreds of cultural figures, journalists, businesspeople, as well as news outlets and organizations, have been branded “foreign agents” since Russia introduced the label in 2012. Russia applies the designation to individuals it views as enemies of the state.