In September 2023, about a year and a half into Russia‘s massive invasion of Ukraine, this interesting ad popped up on the website of Nasha Gazeta, a Russian-language newspaper in Ireland. Elizaveta Donnery, a Russian-speaking solicitor in Clontarf, north Dublin, was offering free legal consultations to compatriots on issues related to violations of their rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests in Ireland. The catch? The funding for these consultations came from a Russian organization known as Pravfond, established by the Kremlin to boost Russian “soft power” overseas.
Pravfond, founded in 2012 with the aim of protecting Russians living abroad, has been accused by the EU and intelligence services of using its funds for more than just legal assistance. In some countries, it is believed to influence public opinion on Russia’s actions, including the war in Ukraine, through various means like funding websites and social media campaigns. While in Ireland, Pravfond solely supports legal advice for Russian expats, in other countries, it reportedly serves as a safety net for Russian intelligence agents in legal trouble.
Despite the allegations against Pravfond for its broader activities in other countries, there is no evidence to suggest that Donnery or other Russians in Ireland supported by the organization engaged in any intelligence-related activities. The Russian government views Pravfond as a tool to garner support for President Putin’s regime among overseas Russian-speaking populations and the wider western society. Putin has long seen the Russian diaspora as a valuable asset to increase Russian influence abroad.
Pravfond’s activities, detailed in leaked documents obtained by journalists, reveal its presence in numerous countries, including Ireland. Donnery, a well-respected solicitor in Dublin, received funding from Pravfond to provide legal assistance to Russian expatriates in Ireland. Despite the challenges posed by EU sanctions, Pravfond continues its operations, with plans to establish a new legal advice center in Kaliningrad.
The Russian embassy in Dublin has denied the allegations against Pravfond, stating that the organization provides legal assistance to compatriots in line with international human rights law. Despite the controversies surrounding Pravfond’s activities, its impact on Russian expats living abroad remains a topic of debate among intelligence agencies and security services across Europe.
