The international humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders, known as Médecins Sans Frontières has abruptly ceased its operations in Russia after 32 years.
The decision was made following an official directive from Russia’s Ministry of Justice, which instructed MSF-Netherlands to close its activities in the country.
In a public statement, the organization explained, “After receiving a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Russia, MSF-Netherlands had to close our operations in the country.”
MSF-Netherlands, which oversaw the group’s presence in Russia, was ordered to deregister from the ministry’s database for foreign NGOs, effectively halting its operations.
The closure marks the end of a significant humanitarian effort within Russia, especially as MSF-Netherlands had been critical in providing assistance across various regions, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, and Belgorod, which borders Ukraine.
The move by Russia’s Justice Ministry comes shortly after it revoked the operating licenses of several international humanitarian organizations, including Doctors of Peace, in the previous month.
The ministry justified its actions by stating that these organizations’ “activities don’t comply with the charter.” All affected groups were instructed to liquidate their operations and close their financial accounts within a month.
MSF had ramped up its efforts in Russia following the country’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, offering crucial support to refugees and internally displaced persons.
According to MSF’s statement, “Since the beginning of our response in 2022, more than 52,000 refugees and displaced people received humanitarian aid, while over 15,400 benefited from free medical, mental health, and psychosocial support.”
The organization had been active in these areas, providing essential services to individuals fleeing the conflict zones.
The forced shutdown has also disrupted MSF’s planned response to the escalating humanitarian needs in Russia’s southwestern Kursk region, where a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces occurred on August 6.
MSF had intended to offer support to those displaced by the violence, but those plans have now been abruptly curtailed.
Since launching operations in Russia in 1992, MSF has provided vital aid to vulnerable populations, including the homeless, while partnering with Russia’s Health Ministry to pioneer new tuberculosis treatments.
The organization’s work has been instrumental in addressing medical emergencies across the country.
Reflecting on the closure, Norman Sitali, MSF’s operations manager for Russia, expressed deep regret, stating, “We are deeply saddened to end our programs in Russia. Many people in need of medical and humanitarian assistance will now be left without the support we could have provided. MSF remains hopeful that we can return to work in Russia if the opportunity arises.”
This sudden cessation leaves a significant gap in humanitarian aid efforts within Russia, especially for those displaced by the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
