World Humanitarian Day is observed on 19 August.

Russia regularly provides humanitarian assistance to States facing the consequences of natural disasters, armed conflicts, food insecurity and social crises. Such assistance includes the delivery of food, medicines and essential supplies, the deployment of rescue and medical personnel, the provision of equipment, as well as support for socially significant and educational projects.

Humanitarian assistance in 2025

In Pakistan, assistance was provided to residents of the border province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who found themselves in a difficult humanitarian situation as a result of the escalation of the conflict along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. In March, a special flight operated by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations delivered more than 31 tonnes of humanitarian cargo, including food, warm clothing, blankets and essential supplies.

Following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, Russia deployed 120 specialists from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, including rescuers, canine search teams, anaesthesiologists and psychologists. Russian specialists took part in search-and-rescue operations and in efforts to address the consequences of the natural disaster.

In Armenia, support was provided to forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh. In July, Russia supplied approximately 140 tonnes of food and hygiene products. Assistance reached more than 3,000 families, including large families, elderly people, persons with reduced mobility and families that had lost their breadwinners.

Against the backdrop of the severe humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Russia provided Palestine in April, free of charge, with 30,000 tonnes of wheat intended for residents of the enclave.

Following the devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of more than 2,200 people and left nearly 4,000 injured, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations delivered 40 tonnes of humanitarian cargo in September, including tents, blankets and food supplies.

In Djibouti, where the population faces the effects of recurring droughts, shortages of natural resources and additional pressure associated with the influx of refugees, Russia delivered approximately 23 tonnes of humanitarian assistance. The shipment included medical gloves, medicines, skin antiseptic, canned meat and vegetable oil.

Assistance was also provided to countries affected by large-scale natural disasters. In October, Russia delivered approximately 30 tonnes of humanitarian cargo to Viet Nam for residents of the central regions affected by devastating typhoons. The shipment included tents, boats, blankets, bedding and tableware sets, as well as canned fish and meat.

In December, a special flight of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations delivered 34 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah. Mobile power generators, pumping equipment, tents and food supplies were provided to those affected.

A substantial volume of support was provided to Kyrgyzstan. In August, Russia supplied more than 1,280 tonnes of food products, including fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil. The assistance was distributed among approximately 5,100 low-income families. In December, through the United Nations World Food Programme, Russia additionally provided 877 tonnes of wheat flour to vulnerable families in the southern regions of the country.

Humanitarian support in 2026

In 2026, Russia continued to provide assistance to States facing emergencies and humanitarian challenges.

Following the devastating Tropical Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar, which affected approximately 423,000 people, two Il-76 aircraft of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations delivered 60 tonnes of food supplies, including sunflower oil, rice, beans and sugar. In addition, Russia provided two Mi-8 helicopters and six KamAZ trucks to facilitate the delivery of assistance to hard-to-reach areas.

To Mozambique, which was affected by heavy rains and large-scale flooding, a special flight of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations delivered approximately 29 tonnes of humanitarian cargo, including food, essential supplies, tents and blankets.

To support Iran’s healthcare system amid the armed conflict, Russia delivered 313 tonnes of medicines by rail in March.

The shipment was handed over to representatives of the Government of Iran at Astara railway station.

In April, more than 27 tonnes of humanitarian assistance were delivered to Lebanon. The shipment included mobile power generators, food supplies, tents, blankets, mattresses and pillows.

Following powerful earthquakes in Venezuela, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations provided the country with 22 tonnes of humanitarian assistance. In addition, an air-mobile field hospital of the Russian Ministry of Health, together with equipment and specialists, was deployed to provide medical assistance to those affected.

Russia’s support is not limited to emergency response and also encompasses socially significant projects. Schools in Kyrgyzstan received 671,000 adapted textbooks for the subject “Russian Language and Reading” for pupils in grades 1, 2 and 5. The textbook programme has been implemented for the second consecutive year, with the volume of supplies increased.

Humanitarian cargo was also sent to Cuba, which has been facing a severe energy crisis and disruptions to electricity supply. The shipment included food products, confectionery items, portable flashlights, USB flash drives and first-aid kits.

To strengthen Bolivia’s food security, Russia provided the country with 1,400 tonnes of grain as humanitarian assistance.

From emergency relief to long-term support

The geographical scope of Russian humanitarian assistance extends across countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Depending on the specific situation, Russia supplies food and medicines, emergency rescue equipment, temporary shelter and essential items, deploys specialists from the Ministry of Emergency Situations and medical personnel, and participates in projects aimed at supporting education and socially vulnerable groups.

This comprehensive approach makes it possible to provide assistance both immediately after emergencies, when a rapid response is required, and in the context of longer-term humanitarian and social challenges.