In recent years, Russia has witnessed the emergence of the "Russian Community," an organization that has seen its popularity swell significantly due to rising concerns about security amidst increasing migration. Founded in 2021 by a group of like-minded individuals, the organization has quickly grown to encompass more than 150 divisions across the country, claiming membership in the tens or even hundreds of thousands. With a social media following that includes over 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube, more than 630,000 on Telegram, and approximately 650,000 on VKontakte, the reach of the Russian Community is substantial, according to Andrei Afanasyev, a co-founder and coordinator of the group.
At the heart of the Russian Community's rise is the influx of migrants into Russia. In the past 15 years, the country has granted citizenship to around 11.5 million immigrants. However, this has been coupled with a notable increase in crime rates among foreign nationals, which rose by 17.3% to reach 4,400 incidents in January 2025, as reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. These statistics have fueled the community’s assertion that migrants pose a contemporary threat to the nation's security.
Defining itself as a self-organizing force for Russian citizens, the community has positioned itself as a guardian of Russian culture, traditions, and safety. Afanasyev emphasizes that the organization aims to protect Russian citizens against ethnocriminal activities and related conflicts. "We protect people in Russia from ethnocrime and other conflicts. Our main task is to respond quickly to complaints and resolve citizens' problems," he stated in a recent interview.
Among its various initiatives, the Russian Community has developed a mobile application that is freely accessible to the public. Notably, the application includes a dedicated "SOS" button, enabling users to summon assistance rapidly. This technological tool aims to improve response times to emergency situations, further integrating the community's efforts into the public safety framework.
As members of the organization step up their efforts in maintaining public order, they are often referred to as volunteer militia. Their activities are conducted under the legal framework outlined in Federal Law No. 3 on participation of citizens in maintaining public order, which permits them to assist law enforcement in preventing crimes and educating the public about behavior regulations in communal areas. URA.RU has sought an official response from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to determine the government’s stance regarding the Russian Community and similar organizations, although no reply was received by the time of this article's publication.
The community has a wide range of issues it addresses, from settling everyday conflicts to responding to incidents of violence. For instance, Afanasyev recounted a situation where community members intervened during the assault of a woman by migrants in New Moscow, successfully apprehending the perpetrators who were subsequently deported from the country.
Political commentator Egor Kholmogorov articulated the relevance of the Russian Community, asserting that such an organization is necessary given the current climate. He stated, "It's important to understand that this organization is not a diaspora; its members are in their own country. Unlike diasporas that often show a high degree of cohesion and are ready to protect their kind, Russians raised in a civic culture often find themselves defenseless against the pressures of diasporic groups. Hence the need for such a secondary mechanism of protection has arisen." He also cautioned that an over-reliance on state structures could undermine the community's independence.
Support for the Russian Community extends beyond lay opinions; former police operative and investigator Mikhail Ignatov championed its establishment as an essential response to burgeoning crime from migrants. Ignatov claimed, "Finally, our Slavic guys have banded together to confront rampant criminality from illegal migrants and the chaos of diasporas." He believes that the Russian Community has the potential to restore law and order in areas where police presence has waned in recent years.
While the Russian Community continues to expand its role in public safety, it also confronts the complexities of maintaining autonomy while engaging with law enforcement. The collaboration with police during raids raises concerns about potential abuses of power and the limits of their authority. Kholmogorov highlights this delicate balance, suggesting that effective collaboration could enhance conflict resolution while also warning of the risks it entails.
In conclusion, the Russian Community represents a contemporary response to multifaceted challenges in Russian society, offering a platform for collective action and a sense of security amid societal change. Its efforts extend to various public safety initiatives while navigating the tensions between community protection and state authority.
