Over 8.6 million people, including those affected by emergencies, individuals in difficult life situations, older people, families with children, and other vulnerable groups received assistance and support fr om the Russian Red Cross (hereinafter “the RRC”) between 2021 and 2025. During this period, the organization mobilized more than 10.15 billion rubles to support people in need. This was achieved as part of a large-scale five-year transformation of the RRC. The results of this transformation were presented by Pavel Savchuk, President of the RRC, during the opening of the 18th Congress of the RRC.
The large-scale transformation of the RRC began in 2021 with the appointment of a new leadership team. Since then, the organization has systematically addressed long-standing structural challenges, including fragmentation across its regional network, staffing shortages, and financial instability. Over the course of five years, a unified operational system has been established, modern digital solutions have been introduced, links with regional branches and partners have been restored, and a sustainable development model has been put in place.
“The five-year period from 2021 to 2025 has been a time of systemic transformation for the Russian Red Cross. Over these years, more than 8.6 million people have received assistance and support from our organization, and this result is the key measure of our effectiveness. During this period, we have mobilized over 10.152 billion rubles, with the majority coming from private donations and contributions from our partners, which demonstrates a high level of public trust,” said Pavel Savchuk, President of the RRC.
Over the past five years, the RRC has significantly expanded its regional network and the geographic reach of its programs, enabling improved quality and a multiple-fold increase in access to assistance across the country. The number of premises under the operational management of the RRC regional branches has more than doubled, reaching over 500, while their total floor space has exceeded 47,000 square meters. At the same time, a broad network of local branches has been established, ensuring the organization’s presence at municipal level and enabling systematic engagement with communities nationwide.
“The Russian Red Cross has a history of nearly 160 years, and throughout this entire period it has served, continues to serve, and will serve as a pillar of support for our citizens in the most difficult and challenging situations.
Over the past five years, the Russian Red Cross has undergone a major stage of development. “Structural reforms were implemented, regional branches were strengthened, the organization expanded its geographic presence, and unified operational standards were introduced across regions – all of which are of critical importance.”
These changes have undoubtedly enabled faster, more coordinated and more effective action, allowing the organization to reach and support a greater number of people in need. This is evidenced by a more than tenfold increase in the reach of assistance since 2021. Currently over 2 million people receive various forms of support each year,” said Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
Alexander Zhuravsky, Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects of the Russian Federation, highlighted the significant changes achieved by the RRC over recent years, as well as its role as a reliable government partner.
“Over the past five years, your organization has undergone a profound and far-reaching transformation, restoring its national and international standing. At the same time, the mission of the Russian Red Cross has remained unchanged – to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Over the past five years, 8.6 million people have received your assistance and support. The adoption of the Federal Law on the RRC is a testament to the high status of the country’s oldest humanitarian organization. It also reflects the significant progress achieved over these five years, recognized by both society and the government as a model,” he said.
Particular attention during the transformation was given to the development of medical and social programs of the RRC, including efforts to prevent major public health conditions and to promote a culture of blood and bone marrow donation. Over the five-year period, more than 1.3 million people took part in educational activities on donation, while over 46,000 individuals joined the Federal Bone Marrow Donor Registry. In addition, the RRC launched a new support program for people living with HIV, which has increased treatment adherence by 23%.
Addressing participants and delegates of the Congress, Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, emphasized that “today we are joined by like-minded partners with whom we implement humanitarian programs in healthcare and social support.”
“I would like to note that the Russian Red Cross is, in fact, our key humanitarian partner. Cooperation between the RRC and the healthcare system dates back to 1867 and has a long-standing history. These traditions are upheld today, with government support at the legislative level. I would like to highlight your significant contribution to the development of blood and bone marrow donation, efforts to combat HIV, first aid training, and support in emergencies. I hope that our continued cooperation will save many lives and strengthen families,” said Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation.
A key focus has been the expansion of the RRC Mercy Service program. The number of participants in family caregiving workshops increased more than threefold, from 17,000 in 2022 to 56,000 in 2025. In total, over 170,000 people have been trained in family caregiving skills during this period.
“Over the past five years, the Russian Red Cross has achieved remarkable results: you have rebuilt and strengthened the organization as it stands today. You have developed a large number of new programs, and all of this has required you to identify solutions and build systems from the ground up. In your work, particular importance is attached to areas wh ere you support older people and those in difficult life situations, so they do not have to face hardship alone. Your contribution to the development of family and home-based care is of critical importance to us, and we will continue to support this work,” said Olga Batalina, First Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation.
A video message was delivered to the Congress participants by Kate Forbes, President of the IFRC. She emphasized that over the past five years the RRC has undergone a process of renewal, becoming a more resilient, cohesive and impactful organization. She also noted that despite complex crises and humanitarian challenges, the organization has consistently remained close to people in their most difficult moments.
Rania Machlab, Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, also addressed the delegates and emphasized the importance of systematic organizational development, strengthening partnerships, and preservation of humanitarian principles in its work.
“Regional branches of the Russian Red Cross across the country have strengthened their operational capacity in a wide range of areas, including emergency response, social support programs, and the protection and promotion of public health. Thousands of volunteers and staff provide assistance to those who need it most in various locations: in regional branches, remote villages, and large cities alike. This active work clearly demonstrates that the statements made five years ago about forthcoming changes were not just words. They have been implemented and have delivered real benefits to hundreds of thousands of people. Through this work, the RRC has further strengthened its image as a reliable and trusted organization that provides assistance and support to people in difficult situations, regardless of their origin, language, or religion, in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,” said Rania Machlab.
During the Congress opening, RRC employees received letters of appreciation from the President of the Russian Federation, acknowledgements from the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, and letters of appreciation from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation, and the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia.
