Russian President Vladimir Putin approves New Foreign Policy Doctrine

Moscow: President Vladimir Putin has approved a new policy that signals an emphasis on safeguarding the interests of the ethnic Russian community living abroad. It has been mentioned as the ‘Concept of the Humanitarian Policy’. It states that relations with European ‘Slavic’ communities will be strengthened. The new policy was approved just six months into Russia’s conflict in Ukraine is noteworthy.

Russia invaded Ukraine at the end of February. One of the reasons behind this attack was the persecution of Russian citizens in Ukraine and the policies being implemented against Russia, President Putin had said. Putin had claimed that Ukraine has a large population of citizens of Russian origin, that the ruling regime of Ukraine was harassing them, and that neo-Nazi ideology was being imposed on them. The Ukrainian government rejected these statements of Putin.

But now, Russia has signalled a more aggressive stance on the issue of citizens of Russian origin abroad. Including this new doctrine in foreign policy seems to be part of it. Released as ‘Concept of the Humanitarian Policy’, this doctrine consists of six parts. The first part involves general provisions, while the second covers Russian interests abroad, its objectives and associated principles. The third part refers to Russia’s humanitarian policy abroad. The fourth part covers the issue of bilateral as well as multilateral cooperation, and the fifth focuses on cultural and religious dialogue. The sixth and final part lays down the framework for implementing this policy and other provisions. Citizens of the Russian community living abroad have been given priority in this new doctrine. Foreign media claimed that this was related to the concept of the ‘Russian World’.

One of the new policy aims is to improve the Russian image on the international level with the help of citizens of Russian origin abroad. At the same time, it has also been mentioned that emphasis will be placed on preserving the cultural identity of Russia and protecting the rights and interests of the Russian community.