Kremlin Reviews 'Circle of Kindness' Foundation's Five Years of Impact on Children's Health

Kremlin Meeting Highlights Foundation's Achievements

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Archpriest Alexander Tkachenko, Chairman of the Board of the 'Circle of Kindness' Foundation, at the Kremlin in Moscow on February 13, 2026. The discussion focused on the foundation's achievements over its five years of operation in providing support to children suffering from severe and rare illnesses across the Russian Federation.

During the meeting, Archpriest Tkachenko reported on the foundation's progress, emphasizing its role in saving the lives of 'tens of thousands of children' through access to innovative treatments. President Putin acknowledged the foundation's effective work and the professional team assembled to provide care to children in need.

The 'Circle of Kindness' Foundation: Mission and Funding

The 'Circle of Kindness' Foundation was established by Presidential Executive Order No. 16 in January 2021, following an initiative by President Vladimir Putin. Its primary mission is to provide comprehensive support to children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses, including rare (orphan) diseases. This support encompasses the procurement of expensive medications, medical devices, rehabilitation equipment, and funding for innovative surgeries.

A unique aspect of the foundation's funding model is its reliance on a 2% increase in personal income tax for Russian citizens earning over 5 million rubles annually. This mechanism ensures a sustainable source of funds dedicated to children's healthcare.

Impact and Future Directions

Since its inception, the 'Circle of Kindness' Foundation has demonstrated significant impact:

• It has provided assistance to over 27,000 children, ensuring timely access to treatment despite high costs.
• The foundation has spent over 226 billion rubles (approximately $2.4 billion USD equivalent) on medical care for children across 84 regions of the Russian Federation.
• Notably, it has successfully cured over 2,300 children of hepatitis C.
• The foundation has also achieved a 40% reduction in the cost of purchased medicines through collaboration with the Federal Antimonopoly Service.
• It has the authority to procure medicines not yet registered in Russia, making breakthrough treatments available to Russian children as soon as they emerge worldwide.

Archpriest Tkachenko, who also founded the first children's hospice in St. Petersburg in 2003, highlighted the foundation's efforts in expanding the list of diseases covered and its focus on early detection and treatment. Discussions are also underway to potentially raise the age limit for beneficiaries to at least 21 years, ensuring continued support for young adults who began receiving aid as children.

Conclusion

The meeting underscored the 'Circle of Kindness' Foundation's vital role in the Russian healthcare system, providing a crucial safety net for children with severe illnesses. President Putin expressed his gratitude for the foundation's 'noble and compassionate endeavour,' reaffirming governmental support for its ongoing work.