Russian opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin announced that he has left the country amid increasing government pressure, including his recent designation as a “foreign agent” and disqualification from running in an upcoming parliamentary election.

In a brief video posted on Telegram from Paris, with the Eiffel Tower visible in the background, Nadezhdin said, “I’m alive and free. Unfortunately, I’m not in Russia at the moment.” He added that he needs time to assess his situation and outline his future plans.

Nadezhdin, 63, who previously served as a liberal lawmaker, has been an outspoken critic of Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine. Despite his opposition to the conflict, he sought to operate within Russia’s tightly regulated political system, aiming to maintain a platform for his views through lawful means.

His attempt to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for next month, was effectively blocked after the Russian Justice Ministry added him to the government’s controversial “foreign agents” list on July 10. The designation has led to significant restrictions on his activities and barred him from standing as a candidate.

This move is consistent with the Kremlin’s broader strategy to suppress dissenting voices during a time of heightened political control. Several other opposition figures have faced similar measures in recent years, many of whom have been compelled to leave Russia or have been marginalized within the country’s political landscape.

Nadezhdin’s departure underscores the challenges faced by critics of the war and the limited space for dissent in Russia’s current political environment. While he did not elaborate on his next steps, his public message indicates his intention to remain engaged despite his exile.