Russia designates former prime minister as 'foreign agent' The Russian Ministry of Justice has designated former Russian Prime Minister Kasyanov, who has criticized the Putin administration, as a'foreign agent' meaning a foreign spy. In Russia, pressure is intensifying, with individuals and groups that do not conform to the government's intentions being designated as "foreign agents" one after another. The activities of those designated as foreign agents in Russia are severely restricted, meaning foreign spies. The Russian authorities have also designated the editor-in-chief of an independent newspaper for his criticism of the Putin regime.