Russian Federation
Practice Relating to Rule 59. Improper Use of the Distinctive Emblems of the Geneva Conventions
The Russian Federation’s Military Manual (1990) provides that it is a prohibited method of warfare “to use improperly distinctive emblems”.
The Russian Federation’s Regulations on the Application of IHL (2001) states: “The prohibited methods of warfare include … making improper use of the … international distinctive emblem of the Red Cross (Red Crescent).”
The Regulations further states: “When organizing and conducting cover and concealment of military objectives it is prohibited to make use of … international distinctive emblems, signs and signals.”
With regard to internal armed conflict, the Regulations provides:
[T]he distinctive emblem (a red cross on a white ground) shall be carried and displayed in clearly visible places by medical and religious personnel, medical units and medical transports. It shall be respected in all circumstances, it shall not be used improperly.