MOSCOW, November 13. /TASS/. The White Helmets organization carries out subversive activities in Syria and remains a serious factor of instability in the region, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.
"We hear less of the White Helmets these days but unfortunately, they continue their subversive activities in Syria using money from their so-called sponsors, largely British and US taxpayers," she stated. "The White Helmets remain an extremely serious factor of instability on Syrian soil. Putting a complete end to their activities in Syria and exposing their past crimes is crucial for improving the situation in the country and the long-suffering region in general," Zakharova added.
"After everything they did on Syrian soil, taking advantage of the Syrian people’s suffering for cheap PR stunts built on blood and turning cooperation with terrorists into their hallmark, London does not seek to dissociate itself from these militants in disguise and even describes them as ‘brave and selfless humanitarian workers’," the Russian diplomat noted.
She pointed to a report by the Foundation for Research of Democracy Issues, titled "The White Helmets. Terrorist Accomplices and a Source of Disinformation." The report, which contains interviews with eyewitnesses and former White Helmets members, makes it clear that "the organization’s members openly show their sympathy for radical Islamists and terrorists."
The White Helmets is a non-governmental organization created in Syrian territory in 2014, known for posting photographs and videos allegedly illustrating destruction and casualties caused by Syrian government troops and their allies. The organization has more than once been accused of fabricating reports. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that the organization had staged provocations and carried out false flags operations in Syria, which were paid for by the West and aimed to accuse Damascus of using chemical weapons and thus justify air strikes on Syria.