Europe-based Russians seek Moscow's aid in protecting their rights

Representatives of organisations of Russian compatriots in European countries held a two-day conference in Istanbul, where they called on the Russian authorities to continue to support them in protecting their legal rights, spreading the Russian language and countering Russophobia in the face of growing pressure from the European authorities.

"It was noted at the conference that Russophobia in Europe has acquired unprecedented proportions, the authorities of many countries do not allow organizations of compatriots to hold events. In this regard, calls were made to the Russian authorities to help protect their rights," TASS reports citing the representative office of Rossotrudnichestvo [Russian Cooperation] in Türkiye.

It added that compatriots living in Europe are ready to continue supporting Russia, regardless of the countries where they live, and to exchange existing problems to find common solutions.

"The organisations of compatriots are ready to become a link between Russia and Europe in spreading its policies in their countries," the conference noted.

The 15th conference of Russian compatriots living in European countries was held from September 15 to 16 at the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Istanbul. It was attended by over 70 representatives of the European Coordinating Councils of Compatriots, the Russian Foreign Ministry, Rossotrudnichestvo, as well as organisations of Russian compatriots in Türkiye.