Russia intensifies its influence operations in the post-Soviet space and Europe, using humanitarian organizations and diaspora networks. In this context, the Kremlin appointed Igor Chaika, the youngest son of former Russian Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika, as deputy head of Rossotrudnichestvo, experts from the Robert Lansing Institute reported.
Igor Chaika is the younger son of Yuri Chaika, who served as Russia’s Prosecutor General from 2006 to 2020 and is currently the Presidential Envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District. His elder brother is an advisor to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
Chaika, who had previously been involved in business, was sanctioned by the United States in 2022. The U.S. authorities accused him of involvement in an attempted coup in Moldova and of supporting pro-Russian forces in the country. He collaborated with Moldovan politicians Ilan Shor and Igor Dodon, and his companies were allegedly used to finance pro-Russian parties and promote laws favorable to the Kremlin.
Chaika's appointment to Rossotrudnichestvo may strengthen Moscow's influence in the CIS countries, Europe, and other regions. The agency officially handles humanitarian and cultural projects, but experts note that its activities are connected with Russian intelligence operations abroad. Rossotrudnichestvo actively works with Russian-speaking diasporas, promotes pro-Kremlin narratives, and influences foreign elites. Although the agency formally reports to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it effectively collaborates with the Foreign Intelligence Service and the FSB.
Chaika also cooperates with the Russian Armed Forces, including the Cossack brigade "Terek." His appointment could mean increased funding for Rossotrudnichestvo and an expansion of its powers. Experts believe that in his new role, Chaika will focus on economic diplomacy and finding ways to circumvent sanctions. Besides Moldova, his activities are likely to concentrate on Latvia and other countries with large Russian-speaking communities.
The Foreign Intelligence Service uses Rossotrudnichestvo as a cover for intelligence operations abroad. The agency conducts information campaigns promoting Russian narratives in allied and neutral countries, engages with Russian-speaking diasporas, and influences elites in the CIS, EU, Middle East, and Latin America. Although Rossotrudnichestvo is officially under the Russian Foreign Ministry, it de facto operates in close coordination with the FSB and SVR, executing intelligence, propaganda, and political influence missions on behalf of the Kremlin.
