Russian Red Cross's Involvement in Military Training and Occupation in Ukraine

A recent cross-border investigation has revealed significant ties between the Russian Red Cross (RRC) and the Kremlin's military operations, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The investigation, conducted by organizations including Follow the Money (FTM), Paper Trail Media, and Meduza, found that the RRC is involved in military training for children and has expanded its operations into Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. This includes participation in "Zarnitsa 2.0," a military competition where children as young as eight engage in activities such as crawling through trenches and assembling weapons. The RRC's involvement in these activities is in direct violation of Red Cross principles, which prohibit military engagement.

United24 MediaRussian Red Cross supports Kremlin war machine – while receiving millions from the West

Financially, the RRC has received substantial support from both the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), amounting to approximately 13.5 million euros between 2022 and 2024. This funding constitutes a significant portion of the RRC's budget, despite the organization's apparent alignment with Kremlin objectives.

United24 MediaRussian Red Cross supports Kremlin war machine – while receiving millions from the West

The European Commission has stated that EU funds do not directly reach the RRC, although there is ambiguity regarding indirect funding. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets has condemned the RRC's actions as a "gross violation of Red Cross principles," asserting that the organization is indoctrinating children for military purposes. Analysts have suggested that the RRC has effectively abandoned its neutrality and now functions as an extension of the Russian state.

United24 MediaRussian Red Cross supports Kremlin war machine – while receiving millions from the West

Despite these concerns, the IFRC has opted not to suspend the RRC's membership, instead forming an "Oversight Group" to monitor the situation. Critics, including German lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter, have called for decisive action against the RRC, arguing that it is operating under Kremlin control.

Russian Red Cross supports Kremlin war machine – while receiving millions from the West

There is a notable discrepancy regarding the RRC's presence in occupied Ukrainian territories. While the IFRC claims that the RRC has no operational presence there, local reports indicate that new Red Cross entities have been established in regions such as Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, which are recognized as part of the Russian state. This contradiction raises questions about the oversight and accountability of the RRC's activities.

Russian Red Cross supports Kremlin war machine – while receiving millions from the WestUnited24 Media

• “The Russian Red Cross is carrying out the whims of a dictatorial regime” — Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Ombudsman

Russian Red Cross supports Kremlin war machine – while receiving millions from the West

• “given the scale and systemic nature of the RRC’s violations, there are grounds for measures by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies” — Ilya Shumanov, former executive director of Transparency International Russia

Russian Red Cross supports Kremlin war machine – while receiving millions from the West

• “Russia is a terrorist state that is expanding its totalitarian structures.” — Roderich Kiesewetter, German lawmaker

Russian Red Cross supports Kremlin war machine – while receiving millions from the West

As the RRC continues its controversial activities, calls for action from various European nations are growing. However, as of now, no formal sanctions or suspensions have been enacted against the RRC. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing scrutiny from international observers and human rights advocates.

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