Moscow, January 12, 2025 – The Europe Today: In a significant development, Russia has officially designated the pro-separatist online news outlet Komi Daily as a terrorist organization. The Federal Security Service (FSB) added the website to its list of terrorist entities in late December, classifying it as “a structural branch” of the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum (FNRF).
The FNRF, a pro-Ukrainian group advocating for the fragmentation of Russia into multiple ethnically and regionally defined states, was itself banned as a terrorist organization by the Russian Supreme Court in November. The forum’s co-founder and chief organizer, Ukrainian businessman Oleg Magaletsky, has been a prominent figure in these efforts, often hosting events attended by Ukrainian and European Union officials, as well as Russian anti-government activists.
Komi Daily, founded in 2018 by journalist Valera Ilyinov, describes itself as “decolonial media about Komi culture and identity.” The publication promotes the sovereignty of Russia’s northern Komi Republic and has voiced support for Ukraine. Currently led by journalists Lana Pylaeva and Tanya Chuprova, who reside outside Russia, the platform has been blocked by Russia’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor, along with its associated social media accounts.
Ilyinov has previously faced penalties for disseminating alleged misinformation about the Russian Army and inciting hate speech. However, in a statement issued on Saturday, Komi Daily denied any affiliation with the FNRF. The platform announced on Telegram that it would consult human rights experts on possible actions and reaffirmed its commitment to continue operations.
This development underscores the tightening grip of Russian authorities on dissenting voices and pro-separatist narratives within its borders.
