This analysis contributes to our understanding of climate policymaking and regime resistance in an authoritarian state, focusing on Russia, as one of the world’s largest fossil fuel producers. The analysis uses the multiple streams framework to examine the agenda and decision-making processes surrounding the 2021 Law on GHG Emissions. The case demonstrates how policy entrepreneurs within government were able to leverage international developments related to the Paris Agreement and get an ambitious policy proposal on the agenda. However, these efforts were met with strong resistance from fossil fuel incumbents during decision-making, who were able to undermine reform. This case provides a valuable window into the dynamic and contested nature of climate policymaking in an authoritarian regime, highlighting the importance of the international context in driving policy innovation in an authoritarian state, but also the challenge presented by the close relationship between political and economic actors in a fossil-fuel dependent state.