'Training Professional Destabilisers’: Russia Brands Yale University As ‘Undesirable’

Last Updated:July 09, 2025, 19:43 IST

Russia’s prosecutor’s office claims Yale is working to undermine the country’s sovereignty and economy.

A Yale College banner hangs on the campus of Yale University on Commencement Day, in New Haven, Connecticut, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Russia has added Yale University to its list of “undesirable" organisations, accusing the American institution of working to destabilize the country and undermine its sovereignty.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Russian federal prosecutor’s office said Yale was engaged in activities “aimed at violating the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation, enforcing an international blockade against the country, undermining its economic foundations and destabilizing the socio-economic and political situation within Russia".

The designation bans Yale from operating in Russia and exposes any Russian entities or individuals engaging with it to potential legal penalties.

On Wednesday, the Russian foreign ministry in a social media post highlighted the message and spokesperson Maria Zakharova also discussed it during the weekly press briefing.

“Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has finally drawn a line under this long overdue matter — Yale University’s activities have been declared undesirable in Russia. Behind its polished facade, Yale University is training professional destabilisers rather than “global leaders"," Zakharova said.

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...

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Moscow, Russia

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News world 'Training Professional Destabilisers’: Russia Brands Yale University As ‘Undesirable’