Russia Bans DW: ‘Undesirable Organization’ Label

The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has designated Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, as an “undesirable organization,” according to Russian media reports. The classification was initially requested by the Russian parliament, the State Duma, in August.

Deutsche Welle Classified as ‘Undesirable Organization’ by Russia

DW joins a growing list of media organizations, NGOs, and foundations already labeled “undesirable” by Russia, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Bellingcat, CORRECTIV, Reporters Without Borders and TV Rain.

Under Russian law, being designated an “undesirable organization” criminalizes cooperation with the entity, punishable by hefty fines or imprisonment. Sharing content from such organizations, even on social media, is also illegal.

DW’s Response

DW Director General Barbara Massing stated the move by Russian authorities is another attempt to suppress freedom of opinion within the country. “Russia may label us an undesirable organization, but that won’t deter us,” she said.

Massing added, “This latest attempt to silence free media highlights the Russian regime’s blatant disregard for press freedom and exposes its fear of its own citizens — those who seek information, think critically and are eager to learn. DW will remain steadfast in delivering journalistic content, enabling people to form their own opinions.”

Increased Pressure on DW in Russia

DW has faced increasing pressure from the Kremlin over the past three years due to its funding from abroad. The organization was labeled a “foreign agent” in March 2022, following a prior broadcast ban.

DW was forced to relocate its Moscow studio, and its website was blocked across all languages throughout Russia. In 2025, DW Russian reached approximately 10 million weekly users, primarily through video content, making it one of DW’s top 10 most-used services.

DW produces a daily 30-minute Russian-language video news program, DW Novosti, and the satirical show Zapovednik, produced in Riga, remains popular. Since March 2024, DW’s Russian-language programming has been included in the TV-Swoboda (“Freedom”) package by Reporters Without Borders, which features around 20 independent Russian-language TV and radio channels broadcast via Eutelsat-Hotbird satellites.

To circumvent censorship, DW has increasingly relied on digital platforms and tools to bypass restrictions, such as the Tor browser, VPN access, and the DW app.

“Despite censorship and blocking of our services by the Russian government, DW’s Russian-language service now reaches more people than ever before,” Massing said. “We will continue to report independently – on the war of aggression against Ukraine and other topics about which little information is available in Russia. So that people can form their own opinions.”

About DW

DW is Germany’s international broadcaster, providing unbiased news and information in 32 languages worldwide. The organization focuses on topics such as freedom and human rights, democracy and the rule of law, world trade and social justice, health education and environmental protection, technology and innovation.

DW’s TV, online and radio services reach 337 million users every week.