The Russian Federation has formally notified the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) of its decision to withdraw, following a temporary suspension imposed in 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The withdrawal, effective from 9 December 2025, marks the end of Russia’s long-standing involvement in the international marine science advisory body.
Background: ICES Suspended Russia in 2022
ICES initially placed a temporary suspension on Russian participation in March 2022, citing concerns from multiple member countries who refused to engage with Russian representatives following the onset of the war in Ukraine.
ICES operates under an international convention comprising 20 coastal states bordering the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. The organisation provides scientific research, data collection, and policy advice on marine ecosystems and fisheries management.
At the time of the suspension, ICES stated:
“Since the start of the ongoing war in Ukraine, a number of Member Countries have instructed their scientists and representatives to either boycott or avoid engagement in activities where representatives of the Russian Federation are present. In order to fulfil our mission and obligations to requesters of ICES Advice, we require broad participation of essential experts in our activities. The war in Ukraine is undermining this broad participation in many multilateral science organizations, including ICES.”
Following the decision to suspend Russian participation, ICES made it clear that a future review of the situation could lead to a reversal. However, the Russian Federation has now chosen to formally end its membership instead.