One of the central themes of the Second International Catherine II Forum, to be held on 20 December 2025 in Moscow, will be the implementation of Decree No. 702, dated 19 August 2024, of the President of the Russian Federation, On the provision of humanitarian support to persons sharing traditional Russian spiritual and moral values”. This document has established the legal and organisational foundations for providing humanitarian assistance to foreign nationals and stateless persons seeking to relocate to Russia for ideological reasons—driven by a desire to live in a society where traditional views on family, culture, and morality are preserved and protected.
The decree outlines mechanisms aimed at simplifying the procedure for obtaining temporary residence for those who share Russian values. It provides for the possibility of applying for temporary residence without regard to quota restrictions and without the mandatory examination in the Russian language, history, and fundamentals of Russian legislation. These measures facilitate the adaptation process for those who see Russia as a country similar in spirit and cultural orientation.
The document also tasks the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies with developing simplified visa-issuance procedures and ensuring the practical implementation of humanitarian support measures. An important aspect of the decree is the identification of countries pursuing policies contrary to traditional values and the creation of legal conditions for the voluntary resettlement of citizens who disagree with the destruction of spiritual marks in their homeland.
At the Second Catherine II Forum, Decree No. 702 will be examined as a practical instrument of humanitarian integration and people’s diplomacy, consistent with a line of continuity dating back to the era of Catherine II and her 1763 “Manifesto on the Invitation of Foreigners”. Whereas the Empress’s manifesto invited craftsmen, agriculturists, and specialists ready to develop the country, the modern decree addresses people who wish to find in Russia not only new work and a home, but also stability of values and a spiritual refuge.
As noted by the forum organisers, the Presidential Decree reflects a trend towards strengthening the humanitarian dimension of Russia’s foreign policy. Its implementation fosters new integration practices, enhances the role of the regions in receiving and adapting resettlers, and expands the potential of people’s diplomacy. In this context, the “Humanitarian resettlers” section included in the forum’s programme will be one of the key sessions. It will present the initial results of the decree’s implementation, case studies from the regions, and proposals from the expert community for improving the regulatory framework.
The Second International Catherine II Forum will take place on 20 December 2025 at the National Centre “Russia” in Moscow. The forum will bring together representatives of government, science, business, the media, national-cultural associations, and international participants. The programme includes a public dialogue titled “Russia – a space of opportunities. Preserving values, we create the future”, a plenary discussion on “Russia – a new ark of civilisations and traditional spiritual and moral values”, and eight thematic sections. Key directions will include the integration and adaptation of humanitarian resettlers, strengthening people’s diplomacy, supporting compatriots abroad, developing international cooperation, and preparations for the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Catherine II.