Russia may investigate popular YouTube interviewer Yury Dud for treason, state media reports

The Russian authorities may open a treason investigation against popular interviewer Yury Dud, the state news agency TASS reported Thursday, citing a law enforcement source. The source did not provide further details.

TASS also noted that Moscow had previously issued an arrest warrant for Dud and placed him on an international wanted list for allegedly violating Russia’s “foreign agent” law. Dud was designated a “foreign agent” in 2022. According to case materials, he is now suspected of collecting sensitive military information that could pose a threat to national security.

News of the possible treason charges came just one day after Dud published an interview with former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul.

Violating Russia’s “foreign agent” law can carry a prison sentence of up to five years. A treason conviction is punishable by up to life in prison.

Dud has lived outside of Russia since 2022.