Speaking at a meeting with American actress Pamela Anderson, a member of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Consultative Council, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Ivanov said that in the past few years Russia has adopted several legislative acts to toughen its fight against poaching, as well as the transport, purchase and sale of valuable animals, including beluga, gray and other whales.

Mr Ivanov emphasised that the Russian Geographical Society (RGS) is taking an active part in the efforts to preserve rare animals. He said Moscow is actively involved in the work of international nature protection agencies and attends various environment-oriented forums.

The chief of staff said the Russian authorities “even decided to establish special police units on rare animal preservation in the Far East, the Amur Region, and the Khabarovsk and Primorye territories.” Ms Anderson said she wants to urge the Russian Federation to introduce “a legal ban on killing baby seals.” “I think Russia has the power to end this practice worldwide,” she said, adding that by doing so and by "taking a leadership position on defending wildlife and the rights of animals,” the country “could really win over some hearts and minds in the West.”

“Russia will take an active part in the protection of animals [in the world] although not everything depends on us. That said, we heard your appeal to play a leading role,” Mr Ivanov said.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sergei Donskoi; Aid to the President and Chief of the Presidential Control Directorate Konstantin Chuychenko; and Anastasia Chernobrovina, advisor to the RGS head.