Former President Dmitry Medvedev called on Russia on Saturday to toughen its rules against “foreign agents” and prosecute those acting for the benefit of foreign powers.

Russia has a law that classifies organizations and individuals as foreign agents — a word with Soviet-era implications of spying — if they receive foreign funds to engage in what the authorities define as political activities.

Dozens of Kremlin critics, including journalists and human rights campaigners, have been designated as foreign agents, and many have fled abroad.

Medvedev, who now serves as deputy head of Russia’s security council, said the enforcement of the “foreign agents” legislation needed to be stepped up as Moscow carries out its military intervention in Ukraine and finds itself under unprecedented sanctions from the West.

“If they (foreign agents) are carrying out activities aimed against our country — especially during this tough period — and receive money for it from our enemies, our response must be quick and harsh,” Medvedev wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

He went on to say that the Act should more properly designate “foreign agents” and apply harsher penalties for such transgressions.

Those named are currently subject to severe financial reporting rules and must preface any publication, including social media posts, with a disclaimer noting that they are foreign agents.

Last month, lawmakers announced plans to amend the law to impose additional limitations, including those on investing in critical industries and interacting with children.

Medvedev also said he supported legislative initiatives to criminally prosecute “people working in the interest of a foreign state.”

His post began and ended with a reference to a 1960s Soviet television series set during the Russian Civil War of the 1920s, in which Medvedev noted that the hero was shot as a spy.

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