Russian Democratic Society (UK) explained

The Russian Democratic Society (RDS) is an organization located in London, United Kingdom, consisting mainly of Russian diaspora and their allies. It is best-known for its opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and opposition to the leadership of Vladimir Putin.

The RDS was formally established as a Community Interest Company (CIC) on November 7, 2022,[1] although the name 'Russian Democratic Society' had been in use prior to its official registration.[2]

The establishment of the RDS is indicative of a wider trend among Russian immigrants and their supporters abroad, who actively participate in advocating for democratic principles and offering support to those affected by conflict and political repression.[3]

History

In the United Kingdom, the RDS has gained recognition for its role in orchestrating rallies[4] that unite dissidents and figures from the Russian opposition.[5] Beyond protest activities, the RDS has made contributions to humanitarian efforts, raising funds for the procurement of generators for Ukraine to mitigate the electricity shortages caused by the conflict.[6]

The RDS actively supports the LGBTQ+ community in Russia,[7] standing against legislation perceived to undermine LGBTQ+ rights.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: GBRDS CIC overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK . 2024-02-23 . find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk . en.
  2. Web site: London's Russians Against War Workers' Liberty . 2024-02-23 . www.workersliberty.org . en.
  3. Book: Chumakov, Aleksei . Media Strategies of Russian Opposition in Exile: Values, Visibility, and Virtual Mobilisation . 2023.
  4. Web site: Monks . Kieron . 2022-10-18 . Russians in London 'plant small seeds' to undermine Putin and his war in Ukraine from afar . 2024-02-23 . inews.co.uk . en.
  5. News: Sabbagh . Dan . Harding . Luke . 2023-02-25 . Alexander Litvinenko's widow joins anti-Putin protest outside Russian embassy . 2024-02-23 . The Observer . en-GB . 0029-7712.
  6. Web site: Редакция . 2023-01-06 . «Без электричества, тепла и воды». Кто и как помогает украинцам пережить холодную зиму . 2024-02-23 . ZIMA Magazine . ru.
  7. Web site: Kousta . Eleftheria . Solidarity in Glitter: Why queer Russian expats protest abroad . 2024-02-23 . FairPlanet . en.
  8. Web site: 2023-11-30 . Russia: Supreme Court Bans "LGBT Movement" as "Extremist" Human Rights Watch . 2024-02-23 . en.