Moscow, 19 May 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Russia has formally designated the environmental organization Greepeace as "undesirable," effectively banning the group from operating in the country.

The Russian Prosecutor General's Office declared on Friday that the non-governmental organization (NGO) is endangering Russia's national security by interfering in its affairs.

Greenpeace has advocated for environmental reforms in Russia, including steps to help mitigate the devastating annual forest fires in the country.

Many NGOs that advocate for the environment or a robust civil society in Russia have complained of political persecution by the authorities.

Criticism of Russian infrastructure or energy products is harmful to the country, the Prosecutor General's Office declared in a statement which claimed that Greenpeace's political positions are aimed at "destroying the economic foundations" of Russia.

It accused Greenpeace of using information campaigns and unsanctioned protests to stir up a negative mood in Russian society and "prevent the implementation of infrastructure and energy projects beneficial to the country."

The authorities also accused Greenpeace activists of spreading "anti-Russian propoganda" including by "calling for further economic isolation of our country and tougher sanctions" since Russia launched its full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"The organization's efforts are aimed at destabilizing the socio-political situation and bringing about a change of power in the country in an unconstitutional manner," the attorney general's office continued.

Greenpeace has maintained that it is committed to preserving the means of life for future generations.

The Russian government has also branded dozens of other NGOs as well as independent media and individuals as "foreign agents." Numerous lawsuits seeking to appeal those decisions are pending against Russia's Ministry of Justice.