Central Asian migrant labourers at an apartment complex construction site on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia. © Moises Saman (Panos)
DFID closed its bilateral development programmes in Russia in March 2007. Given Russia's rising wealth, its upper-middle income country status a traditional development programme based only on technical assistance transfers is no longer appropriate. Russia is also an emerging donor itself, and has been increasing contributions to the multilateral aid system. Russia has an enormous potential to contribute to the reduction of global poverty, and the UK's development relationship with Russia has shifted to reflect this.
Following the closure of DFID’s bilateral programme in 2007 DFID has developed a new style partnership with Russia, reflecting its large emerging economy status including membership of the G8. We do this work mainly in partnership with The World Bank, including channelling funds though them. Current programmes include Public Administration Reform and supporting Russia as a Donor.
Total UK aid received (2007/08): £373,000 (Source: Statistics for International Development 2008)