Russian Authorities Seek Exile: Arrest Warrant for Carnegie Eurasia Director Amid Political Tensions

Russian law enforcement has issued an arrest warrant for Alexander Gabuev, the exiled head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, though the specific charges remain unspecified, according to the independent news source Mediazona, which reported on Wednesday.

Gabuev’s name was added to the Interior Ministry’s wanted list a month after state media indicated he had been accused of participating in the activities of an «undesirable» organization and not adhering to Russia’s «foreign agent» law.

In April, the state-owned news agency RIA Novosti cited an anonymous source stating that he had failed to label his Telegram posts as coming from a foreign agent.

In May 2023, Gabuev was classified as a «foreign agent» by the Russian Justice Ministry. This legislation requires individuals designated as such to include clear disclaimers on all their publications and social media postings, as well as to provide comprehensive financial reports. Noncompliance can result in criminal charges.

Gabuev is recognized as a leading authority on Russian and Chinese foreign policy and is often cited by international media outlets. He is currently at the helm of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, which has relocated to Berlin.

In July 2023, Russian prosecutors labeled the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, based in Washington, as an «undesirable» organization, effectively prohibiting its activities in Russia and criminalizing any association with it, including the sharing of its materials online.

Despite this designation, the Carnegie Endowment continues to offer analyses regarding Russian matters through its Berlin office, where Gabuev collaborates with other exiled scholars.