“Leave, or end up behind bars”: The FSB has revived the Soviet practice of forcing dissidents abroad

In August 2026, former member of the punk group Pussy Riot, Rita Flores, revealed that she had been coerced into becoming an undercover informant for the Federal Security Service (FSB) in 2023. Her duties involved gathering intelligence on artists and activists, including their plans, connections, habits, and activities. Among those targeted were street artist Philippenzo and performance artist Pavel Krisevich.

Both eventually left Russia under pressure from the security services, and Flores admitted to having played a role in their departure. According to her handler, emigration was seen as the only two options to address the "problem": either they leave the country or face imprisonment. Similar ultimatums were given to other dissidents like sociologist Boris Kagarlitsky and politician Boris Nadezhdin.

One notable case was that of Pavel Krisevich, who was released from a penal colony in January 2025 after serving three and a half years for a protest performance in Red Square. Upon resuming his performances, FSB handlers made it clear that he would either stop performing or face another jail term. They began pressuring Krisevich to leave Russia, culminating in a harrowing encounter at a dark room where two FSB officers threatened him, stating they would either lock him up or force him to flee.

Krisevich's provocative performance, which depicted a scene from Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove, had led to his recent arrest. Although he had shared his plans with Flores, it remains uncertain whether the FSB obtained the information from her or another source. Despite Flores's attempts to influence him, Krisevich ultimately decided to leave Russia after receiving a direct warning from FSB officers.

In another instance, artist Philippenzo, whose real name is Filipp Kozlov, faced a similar situation. In June 2023, a large graffiti mural appeared beneath the Elektrozavodsky Bridge in Moscow, bearing the word "Izrossilovanie" and criticizing the Russian government. This anti-war work had drawn the attention of the security services, leading to fines and surveillance.

On August 31, Philippenzo was searched at his home and studio, and a criminal case was opened against him for vandalism motivated by political hatred. It was later revealed that the FSB had considered forcing Philippenzo to leave Russia as an alternative to imprisoning him. In a chilling ultimatum, FSB handlers told him, "We'll put him in prison for this [the 'Izrossilovanie' piece]—lock him up good and proper.

Or, if you can, get him out of the country as soon as possible." Flores confirmed that she had warned Philippenzo he was being monitored and urged him to leave Russia immediately. By October 2023, it was publicly known that Philippenzo was in a foreign country.