Ukraine crisis tests relations between Russia and ICRC, argues GPPi researcher

The worsening situation in Ukraine could have negative repercussions on the renewed relationship between Russia and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), argues GPPi Research Associate Julian Lehmann in a commentary for the Professional Humanitarian Assistance and Protection (PHAP) network, published 27 April 2014.

Due to tensions related to Russian military action in Chechnya and to humanitarian access, Russia and the ICRC have not always seen eye to eye. The relationship, however, has significantly improved since the ICRC put its activities for civilians in Chechnya on hold and began focusing on building cooperation on matters outside Russia. Both parties have gained from these renewed relations and have demonstrated a keen interest in developing the relationship further.

Lehmann explains that Russia is a useful humanitarian partner for the ICRC for two reasons. First, Russian political influence on the Syrian government did improve the ICRC’s humanitarian access there and could do so in the future. Second, Russia could diversify the ICRC’s sources of funding. In 2012 Russia contributed to the ICRC’s budget for the first time. For its part, Russia stands to gain from acting on its publicly stated concern for civilians in armed conflict.

But the viability of this new relationship may be tested should the ICRC have to deal again with the actions of Russian armed forces in Ukraine.