Russia Says ICRC Must Uphold Independence and Impartiality

Moscow, . Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said the International Committee of the Red Cross must continue to uphold the principles of independence and impartiality that have guided the organization since its establishment.

Speaking at the opening of talks in Moscow with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, Lavrov said Russia attaches importance to regular contacts with the committee. He noted that dialogue not only through the Russian Foreign Ministry but also through other relevant institutions helps build clearer and more effective cooperation between the two sides.

Lavrov said Russia respects the ICRC and wants to see the organization strengthened on the basis of its core humanitarian principles. He added that Moscow appreciates the efforts of the committee’s leadership over many decades to preserve those principles.

According to Lavrov, the importance of independence and impartiality has increased in the current international environment. He accused Western countries of failing to respect the foundations of the ICRC and of trying to manipulate its activities for their own political interests.

Lavrov said such attempts are particularly visible in connection with the crisis in Ukraine. He claimed that Western countries are seeking to whitewash and shield the Kiev regime, which, according to him, commits gross violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity on a daily basis.

He expressed confidence that Spoljaric’s visit would allow for a useful discussion of the situation in Ukraine from the perspective of international humanitarian law. Lavrov emphasized that Russia would continue to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law under all circumstances. He said Moscow expects the ICRC to make similar appeals to its other partners as well.

Lavrov said specific aspects of Russia’s cooperation with the ICRC on humanitarian issues would also be discussed during Spoljaric’s meetings with the Russian Defense Ministry, Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova and Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. These discussions would include the situation of detainees and prisoners of war, as well as prisoner exchanges.

He also stressed that cooperation between Russia and the ICRC is not limited to Ukraine. Lavrov said the number of humanitarian crises is increasing in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. He added that Russia is ready to discuss the ICRC’s plans in these regions and possible Russian support for their implementation.

The talks are also expected to cover Russia’s financial support for the committee and its humanitarian activities. Lavrov said he looked forward to useful discussions and expressed hope that Spoljaric’s visit to Russia would help advance the tasks facing the ICRC.