Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has disclosed details about what it describes as "uncovering intelligence and subversive activities" by the UK-based Oxford Russia Fund, which was designated as an "undesirable" entity in 2021.
According to an official statement, the security agency identified faculty members from prominent Russian universities who allegedly collaborated with the fund "in ways compromising Russia's national security." The FSB reportedly issued formal warnings to 15 professors across the Volgograd, Novosibirsk, Chelyabinsk, and Tomsk regions. A source within academia, speaking to Nova-Europe, verified that the security service had investigated educators involved in Oxford Russia Fund initiatives during the 2010s, notifying them against ties with banned organizations.
The FSB further stated that one university instructor faced administrative charges under Article 20.33 of the Administrative Code for involvement with an "undesirable" group. Additionally, a Russian institution was instructed to address factors allegedly endangering national security.
Authorities allege that professors, acting on the fund's behalf, disseminated materials promoting LGBT rights and values in universities. The FSB also accused the organization of gathering intelligence on Russia's domestic political and socioeconomic climate amid the Ukraine conflict through an established contact network.
"The British have historically viewed academia as a prime target for influence due to educators' direct access to youth and their capacity to shape opinions, effectively molding a 'new generation' of Russians aligned with London's interests," the FSB remarked in its release.
Established in 2005 with ties to the Khodorkovsky Foundation, the Oxford Russia Fund framed its mission as advancing humanities education in Russia. It offered scholarships for humanities students at top universities and organized academic conferences and workshops.
This follows the June 5 designation of the British Council as "undesirable" by Russia's Prosecutor General's Office, which accused it of recruiting Chevening scholarship alumni to build a "network of British influence agents" among youth. The British Council also co-administers the IELTS English proficiency test.