MOSCOW (Realist English). Supporting the Russian diaspora abroad remains an unconditional priority of the Russian Federation’s foreign policy. Gennady Ovechko, Director of the Department for Compatriots Abroad at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated this in an interview with TASS.
He spoke about systematic work with communities, legal protection for compatriots, the results of the State Resettlement Programme, and countering growing Russophobia in unfriendly countries.
According to Ovechko, in the current geopolitical turbulence, Russian compatriots have found themselves “on the front line of confrontation”, where truth and lies, historical memory and aggressive oblivion collide. The priority now is not just to support communities, but to unite them as a key resource for preserving Russian identity.
“We have moved from point‑specific assistance to systematically strengthening diaspora self‑organisation, viewing its unity as a reliable shield against external influence,” the diplomat stressed.
Legal and advisory support is provided through the Fund for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Abroad (FSP), established in 2011. The Fund finances 53 legal aid centres in 30 countries. In 2025, the total number of free consultations exceeded 17,500. Russian citizens and activists receive legal assistance, especially in unfriendly states where the judicial system is “extremely biased and ideologised”.
The state programme to assist the voluntary resettlement of compatriots has been in place for 19 years. From 2007 to 2025, more than 1.25 million participants and their family members moved to Russia and were registered. Last year alone, 27,000 people took part.
Ovechko noted that compatriots are returning to Russia as to the “main bastion of spiritual, moral values and the traditional family”. Since 1 January 2024, the institution of repatriation has been introduced, providing benefits and social support. In 2025, four times as many people entered Russia under the repatriation procedure as in the previous year.
The number of migrants from unfriendly countries – Germany, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Canada and the United States – has noticeably increased. The motivations are “stifling and aggressive Russophobia”, discrimination against the Russian‑speaking population and rejection of imposed unnatural Western “values”.
Despite attempts by authorities in unfriendly countries to prevent celebrations, compatriots around the world honour the memory of the Great Victory. Last year, the “Immortal Regiment” march was held in various formats in 115 countries. In Germany, 18 processions took place; in Kyrgyzstan, 26; in Israel, 15. Mass events were held in Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey, China, Australia, Canada, the United States and other countries.
However, in the Baltic states and Moldova, legislative bans on mass events for Victory Day and on wearing the St George’s ribbon remain in force. Similar bans have been introduced in some German federal states. Nevertheless, as Ovechko stressed, the planned programme of events will be successfully implemented.
The upcoming State Duma elections in September 2026 are of particular importance for the diaspora. Participating in the vote is seen as a “primary act of civic will and a confirmation of the indissoluble bond between compatriots and their Motherland”. In unfriendly countries, local authorities, according to Ovechko, are preventing the opening of polling stations at embassies and spreading disinformation. Nevertheless, the elections will take place, and Russian citizens abroad will be able to exercise their constitutional right.
“Compatriots know well that Russia is always with them, no matter what happens. That is why they are united in their love for their historic homeland,” Gennady Ovechko concluded.
In October 2026, the World Thematic Conference of Russian Compatriots Abroad will be held, dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Around 200 activists from more than 90 countries will take part.
According to the 1989 All‑Union Census, the USSR had 145.2 million ethnic Russians. Of these, 120 million lived in the RSFSR, while the remaining 25 million lived in other Soviet republics. As of 2024, taking current migration trends into account, the total number of Russians in post‑Soviet countries (excluding Ukraine) is less than 6 million.