We had some very unpleasant episodes, which can directly be called deliberate discrediting.
Since yesterday, our regional branches have been bombarded with calls from “enthusiasts” who “really want to help” and give humanitarian aid to refugees. And at the same time, they insistently offer to take, along with antiseptics and food, various items of outfit and equipment for military personnel, such as drones.
We do not accept dual-use items and military gear for the simple reason: we are a humanitarian organization. Our job is to help vulnerable and needy people, including refugees and displaced persons, migrants, families of mobilized people, and especially families with children. We provide psychosocial assistance, first aid training, food, basic necessities, hygiene and clothing (now, for example, winter clothes), and much more. Other things are collected by other organizations, they actively call on people to join them, and they are present in all regions of the RF.
We might leave it unnoticed: people who help us do it because they want to help, except for one “but.”
Following the calls and visits to our offices by those "enthusiasts", some media sources began accusing us of failing to abide by the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
We regard this as an attempt to discredit the Russian Red Cross by using the most unsavory means: forgery, slander, and attempts to provoke our employees.
