Russian Journalist Loses Citizenship After Reporting on Ukraine War Crimes

The Russian government revoked the citizenship of Roman Anin, founder of the investigative journalism outlet IStories and a member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), in December. The action was taken after IStories published reports detailing alleged war crimes committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine, which the government claims were fabricated.

Investigative Reporting and its Consequences

Anin, who initially acquired Russian citizenship in 2006 after being born in Moldova, maintains that the revocation will not impede his work. The decision follows a sentence, delivered in absentia last year, of 8.5 years in prison for both Anin and former IStories colleague Ekaterina Fomina. Their reporting focused on Russian soldiers allegedly killing Ukrainian civilians in Andriivka, near Kyiv, in 2022.

The investigation included a confession from a Russian officer who reportedly told Fomina that his commander ordered the killings. IStories also identified paratroopers present in Bucha during another reported massacre of Ukrainian civilians.

Did You Know? In 2021, Federal Security Service officers raided Roman Anin’s home following his reporting on a luxury yacht linked to an ally of Vladimir Putin.

Escalating Repression

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has characterized the revocation of Anin’s citizenship as an act of “transnational repression” by the Russian state against journalists and independent media. Jeanne Cavalier, head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, stated that the Kremlin is “escalating a strategy of intimidation that reaches journalists in their places of exile.”

This is not the first instance of Russian authorities targeting Anin. In 2021, he was designated a “foreign agent” after the raid on his home, prompting him to leave the country. IStories was later designated an “undesirable” organization in 2022, effectively criminalizing collaboration with the outlet.

Expert Insight: The revocation of citizenship represents a significant escalation in the Russian government’s efforts to silence dissenting voices and control the narrative surrounding its actions in Ukraine. This tactic extends beyond domestic borders, creating a climate of fear for journalists even in exile.

Legal Framework for Suppression

The Russian parliament adopted laws in 2022 criminalizing the spread of what it deems “fakes” and “discrediting” the army. A subsequent law passed in 2023 enabled the revocation of citizenship for offenses related to these laws. Anin himself acknowledged that “repressions are intensifying.”

In 2025, Russia reached its lowest ranking in the RSF press freedom index, becoming second only to China in the number of reporters imprisoned.

Preserving History

Despite the ongoing pressure, IStories continues its work. Anin emphasized the importance of preserving historical records, citing the outlet’s coverage of the deportation of Ukrainian orphans from occupied territories as an example. He views the government’s actions – including passport denials and citizenship revocations – as “a weapon against its opponents.”

Anin expressed a sense of validation, stating that being targeted by the current Russian state signifies he is “on the right side of history,” given Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine and alleged war crimes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the Russian government to revoke Roman Anin’s citizenship?

The Russian government accused IStories, founded by Roman Anin, of fabricating reports concerning war crimes committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine.

What other actions has the Russian government taken against Roman Anin and IStories?

Anin was previously designated a “foreign agent,” his home was raided by security services, and IStories was designated an “undesirable” organization.

What is IStories currently focused on reporting?

IStories is currently reporting on the deportation of Ukrainian orphans from occupied territories, viewing this as a crucial aspect of preserving historical records.

As the Russian government continues to tighten its control over information, what impact will these actions have on the future of independent journalism in the region?