As we have seen, the term ‘compatriots’ acquired legal status in May 1999. It took less than a year and a half to organise the event, and in October 2001, the first World Congress of Russian Compatriots opened in Moscow, in the Column Hall of the House of Unions, attended by delegates from 47 countries. In his opening address, President Putin “noted the fragmentation of the compatriots and the weakness of their organisations, and called for ways to be found to consolidate the Russian diaspora and strengthen its ties with Russia”. This marked the beginning of the establishment of the most extensive of Russia’s networks of influence, composed of emigrants.
The second congress, which brought together 600 delegates from 78 countries, took place in October 2006. Primakov.
At the third congress in 2009 (500 delegates, 90 countries), the establishment of the Fund for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad (Pravfond) was announced – one of the sources of funding for the VKSRS’s activities. This was the answer to the question that had been hanging in the air – who finances the VKSRS’s activities? It is clear that the state does so, albeit covertly, as no data on the VKSRS’s sources of funding has ever been published. It is also clear that Pravfond is funded by the state, but formally, the appearance of propriety has been maintained.
Among other things, the congress discussed ‘the work of compatriots in countering the falsification of historical truth, and stepping up work with young people’. This reflected the intensification of the Putin regime’s propaganda activities and its campaign against historical scholarship, primarily in the field of military history.
The fourth congress, held in St Petersburg in 2012, was attended by 539 people from 94 countries.
The fifth, held in Moscow in 2015, was attended by 400 delegates from 97 countries.
The sixth congress, held in Moscow in 2018, was attended by 400 delegates from 98 countries.
The most recent, seventh congress took place in October 2021 in Moscow, attended by 400 delegates from 102 countries.
The topics of discussion at the seventh congress were typical: ‘The focus was on consolidating the Russian diaspora in the face of new challenges; protecting the rights and legitimate interests of compatriots; preserving a shared historical memory; issues surrounding Russian-language education abroad; combating Russophobia and anti-Russian sentiment in the countries where compatriots reside; the development of media for compatriots; and strengthening the role of young people and women”. In other words, all aspects of current pro-Russian propaganda were covered. The eighth congress took place in October 2024.