The classification of WWF is part of a larger Russian effort to crack down on organizations with foreign connections – including environmental organizations. The announcement has been met with major protests from a number of countries.
During Earth Hour, an international climate manifestation started at the initiative of WWF, people around the world are encouraged to turn off the lights for an hour in order to draw attention to the climate issue. Russia has been participating in the manifestation, which this year is being held on Saturday, for 14 years.
Classifying individuals and organizations as "foreign agents" because of links to foreign countries is a Russian custom with Soviet-era roots, which is still used systematically to subdue Kremlin critics and dissidents.
WWF has been operating in Russia since 1994. The global non-profit environmental and conservation organization says it will challenge the classification legally — but at the same time urges supporters to refrain from using the WWF symbol in Russia for safety reasons.
Climate change has hit Russia hard, with thawing permafrost and severe forest fires in Siberia.