Free Russia Foundation was founded on December 2, 2014, to support civil society and promote democracy in Russia. Over the past decade, we have evolved into a global network with infrastructure and offices in ten countries, including regional headquarters in Washington, D.C. (US), and Brussels (Belgium)-the seat of the European Parliament.
From the onset, we have prioritized defending human rights and advocating for accountability and justice.
Since our establishment in 2014, we have worked to develop a complex multinational effort to support Ukrainian hostages of the Kremlin. Opening our Kyiv office in 2017 allowed us to strengthen this initiative, forging new vital partnerships and links with civil society in Ukraine. In 2020, we expanded our programs to offer support to Belarusian activists forced to leave their homeland by the repressive regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
In 2022, in the wake of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, we coordinated evacuation from warzones of Ukraine as well as emergency relocations and humanitarian relief to Russian activists fleeing repression in their home country. These segments of civil society, once stabilized in exile and wartime evacuation, have become the core of a powerful global anti-war and pro-democracy taskforce that defines Free Russia Foundation today.
In 2024, we have focused on uniting the global anti-war and pro-democracy coalition in action while embracing its vibrant diversity. We have expanded our Reforum Space network by establishing new resource centers in Warsaw, Poland, and Paris, France, adding to our existing locations in Berlin, Vilnius, Tbilisi, Tallinn, and Budva. The centers provide exiled activists with everything they need to reinstate their pro-democracy work, including training, psychological stabilization, visa and legal support, scholarships, coworking spaces, and infrastructure to create and implement impactful projects advancing political and social development in their respective countries.
In 2024, we launched Reforum Help, which offers free psychological and socio-legal consultations for Russians and Belarusians in exile. Our analytical projects have expanded as well, consolidating under the FRF Think Tank brand, streamlining the production of expert analyses, and formulating actionable plans for Russia’s transition to democracy.
At the same time, we have intensified the efforts to counter the Kremlin propaganda, exposing disinformation and publicizing investigations about Russia’s malign influence on the global stage. We challenge the lies of Putin’s regime and amplify voices speaking the truth about Vladimir Putin and the war he started.
This year also marks the return of Vladimir Kara-Murza to our team as Vice President. His release from the Russian penal colony following tireless advocacy efforts highlights the power of collective action. Vladimir’s leadership strengthens FRF’s engagement with Western decision-makers-such as the European Parliament, PACE, and the U.S. Congress-and amplifies the voice of the pro-democracy and anti-war coalition in Russia and beyond.
«It is amazing how much Free Russia Foundation has been able to achieve in just 10 years,» marvels Vladimir. «FRF is a tireless, passionate, and very effective team working to bring closer the day when we can write the words ‘free Russia’ without quotation marks. It is a privilege to be a part of it.»
David J. Kramer, Chair of the FRF Board and former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, has issued the following statement:
«On behalf of the board, let me congratulate Natalia Arno and her terrific team at Free Russia Foundation for reaching the 10-year milestone. Needless to say, much work remains to be done, since Russia is far from free and a threat, under the Putin regime, not only to its own people but to its neighbors and all those wanting to live in freedom. Still, Russia is not doomed forever to live under authoritarian and dictatorial leaders. When that day comes, Free Russia can be proud of its contribution to the cause.»
From our beginnings as a small human rights initiative to our current position as an international powerhouse with an expansive global presence, Free Russia Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission. As we mark 10 years of service, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting civil society, promoting human rights, and working toward a democratic, peaceful Russia.