The leadership of the Interpol National Central Bureau in Russia, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, recently faced questions about potential shifts in Russia’s status within Interpol since the onset of a special military operation. While the Interpol charter sets clear boundaries against political, military, religious, or racial interventions, discussions have persisted about Russia’s possible expulsion from the organization. The topic has circulated in Russian and international media, with TASS reporting on the ongoing debates.
According to Valery Kalachev, who oversees Russia’s Interpol National Central Bureau, the charter explicitly forbids interference by states in political or other sensitive domains through Interpol channels. Yet, in the wake of the operation and the evolving geopolitical climate, several governments have reportedly explored the possibility of excluding Russia from Interpol. Kalachev noted that these discussions occur despite the formal constraints of the charter and the potential reputational and operational implications for both sides.
Kalachev emphasized that notwithstanding political pressure and the strain on international relations, productive cooperation can still be sustained. He suggested that high-level collaboration with foreign partners and Russian law enforcement remains feasible, provided that channels of communication are preserved and trust is maintained. In his view, Interpol’s information-sharing framework remains a crucial conduit for police-to-police dialogue, especially during periods of diplomatic tension. The head of the NCB also pointed out that maintaining functional cooperation requires careful navigation of political sensitivities and a clear commitment to professional, non-political policing activities.
In related developments, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs reiterated that the current operations and procedures governing Interpol activities within the Russian Federation have not undergone changes in substance. This stance underscores the ministry’s intention to uphold the existing legal and operational framework while continuing to engage with international partners as circumstances evolve. The statement reflects an effort to reassure domestic audiences and international partners that normal law enforcement processes persist despite broader geopolitical pressures.
Beyond the immediate questions about membership and status, observers are watching the broader implications for international policing in an era of sanctions and escalating geopolitical competition. For many countries, Interpol remains a practical channel for coordinating cross-border investigations, exchanging critical information, and pursuing fugitives who operate across multiple jurisdictions. Even amid disputes, the organization’s role in fostering professional standards and facilitating real-time communication between law enforcement agencies can be a stabilizing factor in high-tension environments. The evolving situation invites careful analysis of how international police cooperation can be maintained while respecting national sovereignty and the legal norms governing multinational cooperation. [Source: TASS]
Meanwhile, other global developments have affected the broader international policy landscape. Recent sanctions actions by various authorities have added complexity to cross-border enforcement and financial controls. These measures influence how information is shared, how investigations are conducted, and how cooperative arrangements adapt to shifting economic constraints. In this context, Interpol’s value proposition for member states hinges on preserving operational resilience, safeguarding data integrity, and ensuring that interagency communication remains swift and secure. As jurisdictions reassess risk and exposure, the role of trusted, apolitical policing networks becomes even more pronounced, highlighting the delicate balance between security interests and international legal standards. [Source: TASS]
Overall, the situation illustrates that while geopolitical tensions can threaten organizational continuity, practical policing requirements often drive parties to search for common ground. Interpol’s charter provides a framework intended to limit politically motivated uses of the organization’s tools, and Russia continues to participate in dialogue under that framework. The ongoing conversations underscore a broader truth: in a global security landscape marked by rapid change, effective information exchange and cooperative policing remain essential, even as governments navigate the complexities of sanctions, diplomacy, and strategic rivalries. [Source: TASS]