The International Committee of the Red Cross has come under criticism from Ukraine’s Chief Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, for allegedly “playing along with Russian aggression.” This accusation stems from the involvement of the Russian Red Cross (RRC) in occupied territories of Ukraine, which violates the core principles of neutrality and independence set by the ICRC. Lubinets highlighted instances where the RRC operated in Crimea without permission, stole property from the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, and collaborated with a government-owned camp in Crimea. He called for an investigation into the activities of the RRC and criticized the ICRC for its response, which he deemed as an attempt to protect the reputation of the RRC.
Further concerns were raised about the RRC’s cooperation with sanctioned organizations involved in raising funds for the Russian military and awarding companies producing weapons used against Ukraine. The RRC’s staff members have also publicly supported Russia’s war efforts and promoted propaganda narratives. Lubinets urged both the UN and the Red Cross to investigate the killings of Ukrainian prisoners of war at the Zenit strongpoint in Avdiivka. The RRC’s actions under the leadership of Kremlin loyalists, such as Pavel Savchuk, have raised suspicions about its alignment with Russian government interests and its infringement on international humanitarian law.
Lubinets criticized the ICRC’s response to the allegations against the RRC, stating that promises to introduce courses on international humanitarian law to RRC staff amount to an attempt to hide the organization’s crimes. He emphasized the urgency of taking action against the RRC’s violations of neutrality and called for a thorough investigation into its activities. The ICRC’s engagement with the RRC and its handling of the allegations have been deemed insufficient by the Ukrainian Ombudsman, who sees them as indirectly supporting Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The involvement of the RRC in occupied Ukrainian territories and its alleged collaboration with the Russian government-owned camp in Crimea have raised concerns about the violation of fundamental principles of neutrality and independence. The accusations against the RRC for its actions in Crimea and its alleged cooperation with sanctioned organizations and promotion of pro-Russian propaganda have led to calls for a comprehensive investigation by international bodies. Lubinets’ criticism of the ICRC’s response to the allegations and its perceived failure to address the violations of humanitarian law by the RRC demonstrates the need for accountability and transparency in the Red Cross organization’s operations.
Lubinets’ efforts to bring attention to the questionable actions of the RRC and seek investigations by the UN and the Red Cross reflect the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine in the context of Russian aggression. The implications of the RRC’s activities on the ground, as well as its alignment with Russian government interests, pose significant hurdles to maintaining peace and security in Ukraine. By shedding light on these issues and calling for accountability, Lubinets aims to safeguard the principles of neutrality and independence that underpin humanitarian work in conflict zones like Ukraine.
