Russian scientists now required to get approval for trips to “unfriendly” countries
Employees of universities and research institutes in Russia are now required to obtain approval from their leadership and relevant authorities before attending conferences in so-called “unfriendly” countries.
This comes from a letter issued by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, which, according to sources, was circulated following the detention of archaeologist Alexander Butyagin in Poland.
Sources say the document effectively introduces additional controls over international business trips. Officially, this is presented as a precautionary measure due to rising risks abroad.
In several major federal universities, the effects were felt immediately. Some scientists have reportedly had all their overseas trips for the upcoming spring frozen, even if previously approved.
Those whose trips are still allowed say they fear potential detention in Western countries for political reasons.
The tension affects not only public critics of the war against Ukraine but also those who have made no political statements at all.
At the same time, the geography of scientific contacts is changing. Sources say that in 2024–2025, business trips from Moscow State University (MSU) and Higher School of Economics (HSE) have increasingly been redirected to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Trips to Iran have also noticeably increased, often in areas outside researchers’ normal fields. Sources explain this as an attempt to maintain at least some international activity where risks are lower and political barriers are smaller.
However, this reorientation may limit access to key platforms and partnerships in traditional scientific hubs.
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