ESC Suspends Memberships of Russian and Belarussian Societies

March 4, 2022—The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) announced that the ESC memberships of the Russian Society of Cardiology and the Belarussian Society of Cardiologists have been suspended. Individuals based in the Russian Federation or in Belarus are temporarily excluded from active participation in any ESC event or activity. ESC advised that this action has been taken in light of the continued aggression against Ukraine by the leaderships of the Russian Federation and Belarus.

The March 4 announcement stated, “The ESC very much regrets the effect this may have on individual Russian and Belarussian cardiologists and scientists, but the message to Russian and Belarusian leadership must be distinct and unequivocal.”

In a statement on February 28, ESC condemned the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, urged for a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict, and called for humanitarian and medical aid to reach those who need it, regardless of allegiance.