On 1 February 2026, the Federal Law “On the Russian Red Cross” (RRC) entered into force. The document was unanimously approved by the State Duma and the Federation Council and signed by the President. It formally establishes the special status of the country’s oldest humanitarian organization, creating a legal framework for significantly expanding the scale and enhancing the effectiveness of its humanitarian work.
The adoption of a dedicated federal law resolves more than two decades of legal uncertainty surrounding the activities of the RRC. Previously, the organization operated under the general legislation applicable to non-profit organizations, which did not fully reflect the scale and significance of its humanitarian work. The RRC now receives a unique status in Russia as an organization governed by its own federal law. The law not only formalizes its special position and commitment to the Movement’s Fundamental Principles, including neutrality, independence, and impartiality, but also defines its role as a public institution acting as an auxiliary to public authorities in the humanitarian field.
“In 100 countries around the world, laws governing National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are in force. The Federal Law on the RRC establishes a solid legal foundation for strengthening and expanding our activities across all regions. It will enable us to significantly increase the scale of assistance provided to people who turn to our branches throughout the country —from rapid emergency response and psychological support to long-term medical and social programs and direct assistance. Ultimately, for people this means one thing: help will arrive on time, in the necessary volume, and with guaranteed quality,” said Pavel Savchuk, President of the Russian Red Cross.
The development and adoption of the Law on the Russian Red Cross marks a logical milestone in the large-scale transformation the RRC has been implementing since 2021. During this period, the organization has significantly expanded and standardized its operations, increasing the reach of its assistance more than tenfold. Between 2021 and 2025 inclusive, the RRC provided support to over 8.2 million people. Today, more than 2 million people receive various forms of assistance each year.
The Russian Red Cross places particular emphasis on the development of medical and social programs with the support of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The organization leads nationwide efforts to train the public in first aid and to strengthen voluntary blood and bone marrow donation. For over twenty years, the RRC has provided comprehensive support to people living with major public health conditions, including HIV and tuberculosis, continuing its longstanding humanitarian tradition.
“The Russian Red Cross is the country’s oldest humanitarian organization, and as of 1 February it holds a special status as the only non-profit governed by a dedicated law. This law was supported and signed by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. This opens up significant opportunities, but also brings considerable responsibility for the organization and its members. “We can already see that your work is making a tremendous contribution, particularly in supporting people facing difficult circumstances. This includes blood and bone marrow donation and HIV prevention,” said Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation.
Building on the tradition of structured social assistance first developed during the Soviet period through the Mercy Service, the RRC runs large-scale social care programs in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation. The new federal law enables the organization to scale up this work across the regions, including as part of key government initiatives such as the Long-Term Care System. This will ensure high, consistent standards of care and access for the most vulnerable people across the country.
“For many years, the Russian Red Cross has played an important role in supporting Russia’s social sector. As a socially oriented non-profit organization, it is registered as a provider of social services in numerous regions of the country. Its staff contribute to home-based care for elderly people living alone and for persons with disabilities who require assistance. Each year, approximately 5,600 people receive support through the organization’s Mercy Service.
In addition, in 2025 alone, more than 50,000 people completed training in family caregiving at RRC training centers,” said Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation.
The law’s entry into force marks a new chapter for the Russian Red Cross as a modern, sustainable humanitarian organization. It strengthens the RRC’s ability to respond quickly to emerging needs and to work in close partnership with public authorities, business, and civil society.
Supporting vulnerable groups remains one of the Russian Red Cross’s core priorities, including assistance to people affected by natural disasters and emergencies. In times of crisis, the RRC serves as the primary operator for charitable fundraising, ensuring that donations are delivered quickly and transparently to those in need. The organization’s new legal status creates a solid foundation for expanding assistance programs aimed at the most vulnerable groups and strengthening the country’s humanitarian capacity.
For reference
State support for the Russian Red Cross has a long history. In 1996, President Boris Yeltsin signed a decree “On State Support for the Russian Red Cross Society.” It required the government to pay the annual contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and confirmed state support for the RRC’s social, medical and charitable programs. The decree remains in force to this day.
Efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the RRC were made in the late 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, but none of the draft laws were ultimately signed. The process gained new momentum in 2021 amid a large-scale transformation within the organization and a significant expansion of its humanitarian operations.
The draft law “On the Russian Red Cross” was unanimously adopted by the State Duma in its first reading in June 2025. After further revisions, it was brought back for consideration and, on 9 December 2025, passed in the second and third readings simultaneously — again unanimously.
The law was then submitted to the Federation Council and approved on 10 December 2025. It was signed by President Vladimir Putin on 17 December 2025 and will enter into force on 1 February 2026.
