Russia asks Elon Musk to hand over names of dissidents

Moscow has requested the United States to provide a list of Russian opposition figures who received funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAid), which has been criticized by Elon Musk as a "criminal organization." This appeal follows President Trump's decision to freeze international assistance for 90 days, significantly impacting funding for Russian opposition media and human rights groups. Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian Duma, stated that if the U.S. considers USAid an enemy, it should share the names of those funded, which would then be handed over to the FSB, Russia's security service. The cut in funding has left many opposition-linked organizations struggling, with reports indicating that up to 90 such groups have already lost financial support. The U.S. has historically used USAid as a tool of soft power, but recent actions have been welcomed by Russian officials, who claim it has funded radical groups globally. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly regarding support for opposition movements within Russia.

- Russia has requested the U.S. to provide names of opposition figures funded by USAid.

- Elon Musk has labeled USAid a "criminal organization."

- Trump's freeze on USAid funding has severely affected Russian opposition groups.

- Up to 90 opposition-linked organizations have reportedly lost funding.

- Russian officials have welcomed the U.S. government's actions against USAid.