The safety of Russian citizens abroad is emerging as one of the foremost priorities of the nation’s foreign policy, with Director of the MFA’s Department for Consular Affairs, Gennady Ovechko, emphasising the unprecedented rise in risks confronting Russian communities overseas. Speaking at a recent meeting of the Federation Council’s International Affairs Committee, Ovechko pointed to a deliberate strategy by several states to discredit Russia and foster a climate of Russophobia.
According to Ovechko, this multifaceted threat is not only evident in overt hostility but also in more subtle tactics – such as the targeted spread of disinformation and propaganda that paints Russia and its citizens in a negative light. He warned of an increasing risk of division between the Russian diaspora and the state, as actions by some countries aim to undermine unity among compatriots by promoting alternative organisations designed to supplant the legitimate Coordinating Councils of Organisations of Russian Compatriots (KSORS).
These proxy structures, often funded by hostile sources, seek to replace authentic representations of Russian nationals, sowing discord and hampering effective engagement with the Russian government. The pressure on Russian-speaking communities abroad takes various forms – from legal constraints and restrictions on the activities of civic organisations to direct threats and persecution of activists. In some regions, discrimination in education, employment, and access to social services has also been reported.
Ovechko stressed that the ongoing information war against Russia is being actively employed to discredit compatriots, portraying them as agents of influence or even as a threat to national security in host countries. This, he argued, creates fertile ground for xenophobia and violence against Russian citizens.
To counter these challenges, a comprehensive approach is required – combining robust diplomatic efforts with practical support for Russian nationals abroad. This includes bolstering the work of Russian diplomatic missions, providing legal and informational assistance, and developing programmes to protect their rights and freedoms. Ovechko also underlined the need to strengthen ties with KSORS and safeguard them against undue pressure and attempts at replacement, as well as to establish rapid-response mechanisms to ensure that compatriots have ready access to advisory and legal support in emergencies.
Photo: t.me/MID_Russia