Abbreviation | RDS |
Formation | March, 2022 |
Headquarters | London, GB |
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 war in 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]
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]
Abbreviation | RDS |
Formation | March, 2022 |
Headquarters | London, GB |
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 war in 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]
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]