The other day I highlighted Russian democracy activist Boris Nemtsov’s criticism of the Obama administration for its engagement with Putin loyalist Vladislav Surkov. John Noonan of the Foreign Policy Initiative (host of the conference where Nemtsov spoke on Monday) passes along this release from Nemtsov’s organization:

On November 19, Russian opposition leader and former deputy prime minister Boris Nemtsov was attacked at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport as he returned from a trip to the United States. He identified his attackers as members of the “Nashi” pro-Kremlin youth group. They ran from behind and placed a net on his head.

In Washington earlier this week, Mr. Nemtsov urged legislators and policymakers to impose a U.S. travel ban on senior Russian officials responsible for violating the Constitution, manipulating elections, establishing censorship and creating an atmosphere of hatred and political intimidation. Among those he proposed to place on the list was Kremlin deputy chief of staff Vladislav Surkov, who is responsible for domestic policy and oversees pro-government youth groups, including “Nashi”.

Just a reminder: The Obama administration seems to think it’s worthwhile to discuss expanding civil society with Surkov.