Stories that light the way to freedom

The Russian Refugee Foundation and ProtestNY stand in solidarity with the Campaign to Free 120 Gravely Ill Political Prisoners.

The prisoners of the Russian regime are not criminals. They are people who chose truth over comfort, and freedom over silence. Today, they are paying with their lives for standing against Russia’s war in Ukraine and for believing in justice and human dignity.

Portraits of Hope, a project by People for Free Russia, makes their stories visible. More than 120 seriously ill political prisoners have been immortalized through portraits created by artists — many of whom remain anonymous. Each portrait is an act of solidarity and a reminder: their voices will not be erased.

Together, we raise awareness and fight for freedom.

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On September 3, we hosted a warm and cheerful picnic at Kaiser Park — with over 50 participants celebrating the end of summer together.

We served delicious grilled chicken and beef, with cold kvass that brought smiles all around. The atmosphere was friendly, cozy, and full of connection — laughter, conversation, and new friendships.

The special guest of the day was Maxim Ibadov — a brilliant star of New York’s drag scene — who brought joy, sparkle, and unforgettable energy to the event.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our partners at Coney Island Family Enrichment Center for making this day happen!

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Gelman Show is a Friday broadcast on FREEDOM FM 104.7 — and this episode is worth a listen.

On August 15 at 5 PM, the studio welcomed the co-founders of the Russian Refugee Foundation:

🎙 Yurii Rusakov — co-founder of RRF, anti-war protester in Moscow, correspondent for Sota.Vision, contributor to Novaya Gazeta Europe, and PhD in Philosophy.

🎙 Sergey Vlasov — RRF president, former municipal deputy (Pechatniki, Moscow), and U.S. representative of the Anti-War Committee.

They spoke about how the Russian Refugee Foundation supports those who fled Russia due to the war — helping them adapt, find community, and start a new life in the United States.

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Last weekend, the “Vibe” music festival took place in New York — and the Russian Refugee Foundation played an active role in making it happen.

We helped with logistics, equipment, and coordination: volunteers greeted musicians at the airports, drove them in personal cars, assisted with technical setups, and worked behind the scenes. RRF volunteers also supported guest activities, breakfasts, and venue operations — and had a great time themselves!

We’re deeply thankful to everyone who joined us — for the energy, dedication, and spirit. Events like this show that freedom has a rhythm, and solidarity has a sound.

🎤 Want to take part in concerts and antiwar events, or help fellow Russians arriving in the U.S.?

Fill out the volunteer form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3wRLocQbGrwXhUIBxH-6RyjjfqhWQ9bAZZI096zlKlCnzng/viewform

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🏳️‍🌈 The Russian Refugee Foundation took an active part in NYC Pride this year.

We updated our profile image in celebration of Pride Month — because we believe that being yourself is not a privilege. It is a right.

RRF supports everyone who faces persecution because of their identity. We work for freedom — and together with New York, the city where freedom becomes home, and the United States, where it is protected by law, we say:

🗽 The freedom to be yourself is not up for debate.

📍We stand with those forced into hiding — and those choosing to live openly.

Russian Refugee Foundation’s full participation in NYC Pride — from marching to engaging with the public — was a powerful moment. We stood for refugee rights and showed that freedom and solidarity go hand in hand.

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🎶 A musical picnic for World Refugee Day and 📸 a portrait exhibition of seriously ill political prisoners — two events came together in New York with one goal: to support freedom, solidarity, and the right to a dignified life.

🌳 On June 21, Kaiser Park hosted a warm, family-friendly gathering with jam sessions, homemade pastries, songs, and the #free120pzk exhibit — dedicated to 120 seriously ill political prisoners in Russia. The portraits sparked attention: passersby stopped, asked questions, and signed the petition.

✍️ Sign the petition to demand their release:

https://chng.it/nwwZfbyXNf

💙 We are grateful to everyone who joined us that day — and especially to those who share stories, who resist, and who support.

📌 Organized by: Russian Refugee Foundation @rusrefundUS and Coney Island FEC @ConeyIslandFEC

📍 Brooklyn, NY

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We’re launching the “Clothing Bank” project by the Russian Refugee Foundation!

We help refugees, migrants, and anyone going through difficult times — without shame, without bureaucracy, and with compassion. Everything is free.

At our Clothing Bank, you’ll find:

👞 Shoes for adults and children

👖 Clothing for all seasons

🧥 Outerwear

👶 Children’s clothes in various sizes

🧢 Accessories — from belts to everyday essentials

🙌 If you have clean, wearable clothes you’d like to donate — we’ll gratefully accept them and pass them on to those in need.

Let’s do something good together!

📍 Contact us:

Telegram: @volgovod26 | @yuraenglish

Instagram: @volgovod_2.0

With warmth and care,

Russian Refugee Foundation

We are always here for you. 💙

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Last week, the Russian Refugee Foundation was once again invited to speak at Union College.

Co-founder Iurii Rusakov held a roundtable with faculty members focused on political repression in Russia, while RRF President Sergey Vlasov delivered a lecture to students about the role of the exiled Russian opposition.

The discussion centered around the struggle for a democratic future, the value of freedom, and the moral responsibility to support those who continue to resist — despite the threat of prison or exile.

After the event, we received warm responses from both students and faculty. One professor wrote:

“I’m really glad that you invited your brave friends, Sergey and Iurii, from the Russian Refugee Foundation […] I hope that we can bring them back, maybe in the fall and for a larger audience.”

We are deeply grateful for the invitation and the interest in our experience — and we’ll be honored to return to Union College to speak again on freedom, solidarity, and human rights.

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Russian authorities have opened a criminal case under Article 284.1 Part 3 of the Criminal Code against Sergey Vlasov, president of the Russian Refugee Foundation and former Moscow municipal deputy. The official order cites his involvement in the activities of organizations labeled “undesirable” by the Russian government.

Also charged in the same case are several prominent exiled politicians: Ilya Azar, Igor Glek, and Elena Rusakova. All are members of the association “Deputies of Peaceful Russia,” which advocates for civil rights, peace, and democracy.

We view this case as politically motivated persecution aimed at silencing and intimidating the anti-war diaspora. It is yet another sign that the Russian regime fears peaceful speech and civic activism.

Despite these attacks, the Russian Refugee Foundation will continue its mission: supporting refugees, defending free expression, and standing with those who oppose the war.

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Today, the founders of the Russian Refugee Foundation took part in the 9th annual Brighton Beach Pride in New York. We stood in solidarity with trans and LGBTQ+ immigrants facing persecution, discrimination, and violence — in Russia and beyond.

We believe that defending the rights of all refugees is our moral duty, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Russian LGBTQ+ and transgender activists are especially vulnerable to repression and need global recognition and protection.

We thank the Qaravan initiative, Maksim, and Liza for their courage, resilience, and for creating a space where the most marginalized voices are heard.

Human rights are universal. Freedom and safety must belong to everyone.

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The Russian Refugee Foundation is proud to co-organize an upcoming event in New York City featuring renowned political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann and journalist Maksim Kurnikov.

This is a unique opportunity to hear their insights on current events, ask questions, and discuss Russia’s political future in a live, open format.

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🗓 Date: April 19

🕔 Time: 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Brookdale Auditorium, Hunter College 425 E 25th St, New York, NY

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In the lobby, our friends from Tamizdat will present a special collection of banned and hard-to-find literature from Russia.

Representatives from the Russian Refugee Foundation will also be there — we look forward to speaking with you and sharing more about our work.

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🎟 Get tickets:

https://somewhere.show/ekaterina-schulman-nyru

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🙌 Volunteer registration:

https://forms.gle/eXWqoRCGdfWDfSNbA

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Don’t miss this chance to be part of a vital conversation.

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Last night, Russian singer Ellina Greipel performed at the iconic DROM venue in Manhattan, with beloved songs by the band Bravo filling the air and creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

We were proud to present the Russian Refugee Foundation at this event — a community that supports Russians who have fled war, repression, and political persecution.

Throughout the evening, we spoke with guests about our work, shared contact information, and invited them to join and support our initiatives. A foundation banner stood at the entrance, signaling our presence and mission.

We sincerely thank Ellina for the inspiring performance, the Siniy Trolleybus family club for organizing, and everyone who stopped by to connect with us.

Together, we build solidarity, one conversation at a time.

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The Russian Refugee Foundation co-founders took part in a special gathering with former political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza, honoring the memory of Alexei Navalny.

The discussion centered around faith, courage, and the cost of fighting for freedom. Navalny’s unwavering commitment to justice — even at the highest personal cost — remains a powerful example for those working toward a democratic future for Russia.

Navalny’s prison-written book Patriot served as the heart of the conversation, sparking reflections on resilience, dignity, and moral clarity in the face of repression.

We deeply respect Vladimir Kara-Murza and are grateful for his return to freedom after years in Putin’s prison. His voice remains strong, clear, and unshakably principled.

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On the opening night of the exhibition “Life in the Prison” — the first U.S. showing of works by imprisoned anti-war artist Asya Dudyayeva — the Russian Refugee Foundation was officially introduced to the public.

Foundation President Sergey Vlasov spoke at the event, outlining the goals of the organization and introducing co-founders Irina Livadnaya and Yuri Rusakov. He emphasized the foundation’s mission: to support Russian citizens who have fled war, political persecution, or mobilization, and who are now seeking freedom, dignity, and stability abroad.

What is the Russian Refugee Foundation?

• We help Russian immigrants navigate resettlement and adaptation in the U.S.
• We support humanitarian and cultural projects across the U.S. and internationally.
• We are fully independent — not funded by oligarchs or political elites.
• We welcome open membership and cooperation with other initiatives.

Since its creation, the foundation has already begun real action:

✔ Our 501(c)(3) registration application has been submitted.

✔ Pro bono legal partnerships have been established.

✔ A clothing bank for new arrivals is being launched.

✔ A bilingual website is now live and continuously updated.

The Russian Refugee Foundation is more than a nonprofit — it’s a community built on mutual support, inclusion, and solidarity.

Follow our work and join the movement.

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Dear friends, we have great news!‍

On February 7, 2025, the Russian Refugee Foundation was officially registered in the United States as a nonprofit organization.

This designation confirms that our foundation operates exclusively for charitable, educational, and humanitarian purposes, ensuring that all donations directly support programs assisting refugees.

We expect soon to receive official confirmation of our tax-deductible status, meaning that donations made to our foundation will be eligible for deduction on U.S. tax returns. This will allow our donors to support our mission while benefiting from potential tax advantages.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports our work, and we look forward to expanding our impact with your help.‍

Stay tuned for updates— we will announce when tax-deductible donations become available!‍

📌 Support our foundation today—together, we can make a difference!

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We invite you to a special exhibition “Life in the Prison”, showcasing powerful artworks by Asya Dyudyaeva, a Russian artist imprisoned for her anti-war stance. This will be the first-ever display of her works in the United States, providing a rare opportunity to witness her compelling expressions of resistance firsthand.

📍 Location: Brooklyn, NY

📅 Opening Night: February 7, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

📍 Venue: O’Dwyer Community Center, Art Space

“Life in the Prison” highlights the harsh realities faced by those jailed for their convictions in Russia. Asya’s artwork, created despite imprisonment and censorship, vividly captures the strength, courage, and unbreakable spirit of political prisoners. Through this exhibition, we aim to amplify her voice, draw international attention to her plight, and remind the world of those who risk everything for truth and freedom.

This event marks the first-ever U.S. showcase of Asya’s impactful anti-war art, connecting her story with a global audience.

The exhibition is hosted by the Russian Refugee Foundation in collaboration with partner organizations supporting human rights and democracy:

• Free Russia Foundation
• OVD-Info
• Anti-War Committee

Join us in solidarity to support courageous voices behind bars.

‍Admission is free. Donations welcomed.