Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed concerns about the possibility that replacing a portion of Russia’s native population with newcomers from a different civilizational code could trigger social tension and tilt the nation away from its traditional cultural balance. He spoke about these issues on the television program aired by the channel Saved, a platform he has used to discuss matters of national importance. He argued that such a demographic shift, driven by a lack of shared historical experience, threatens the sense of the Russian world, with Orthodoxy acting as its spiritual anchor. The Patriarch also noted that those who back radical Islamism and extremism, movements which pose a direct risk to the state, do not ignore the immigrant presence in the country and are not indifferent to how communities mix. This framing places migration within a broader discussion of national identity and religious heritage that leaders say must be addressed with care and prudence.
He emphasized that ignoring problems related to migrants in certain regions can fuel social discontent and destabilize the social fabric. The message framed a call for balanced policy that preserves cultural continuity while recognizing the realities of modern migration. It was presented as a reminder that the well being of the Russian world depends on steady governance, constructive dialogue with communities, and policies that support integration without eroding traditional values.
On Wednesday, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, spoke during a meeting focused on migration policy. He outlined a plan stating that by mid-2025 a foreigner’s digital profile should be accessible at all checkpoints of the Moscow transport hub. The proposal signals a growing reliance on digital identity to streamline border controls, monitor mobility, and coordinate services across sprawling transit systems. While proponents argue that such measures can improve security and efficiency, observers warn about privacy implications, data protection, and the need to guard against potential misuse of biometric and personal information by state agencies.
Earlier, military researchers in the Urals region issued a call calling for unregistered immigrants to register their presence or comply with regulations. The action reflects ongoing concerns about undocumented migration and the ways local authorities manage arrival flows, labor needs, and social cohesion in the wider region. Officials say these measures aim to promote lawful settlement, facilitate access to services, and prevent the escalation of tensions in communities where demographic changes are most visible. The discussions around these steps reveal how migration policy intersects with security, cultural integrity, and everyday life in Russia.