The XVII Congress of the Revolutionary Communist Youth League (RKSM(b)) was held in Moscow in February 2026, bringing together delegates and guests from across Russia and a number of foreign countries, including Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Britain, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Cyprus, Mexico, the Netherlands, Palestine, Paraguay, Turkey, Ukraine, Finland.
The Congress adopted a series of decisions aimed at defining the organization’s strategic direction and strengthening its political and organizational work in the coming period.
The event took place in a hybrid format, combining in-person and remote participation, with organizers emphasizing the need to ensure security conditions. Alongside representatives from regional branches, the Congress also received numerous messages of solidarity from international communist and youth organizations, including the World Federation of Democratic Youth and groups from Europe, Latin America and beyond.
The Congress was preceded by a broad internal discussion within the organization on its future development under conditions described as marked by imperialist war and rising reactionary tendencies. Both regional structures and individual members contributed to this debate, while the report of the Central Committee played a key role in shaping the discussion by reviewing the organization’s recent activity and assessing the broader political situation in Russia and internationally.
A central issue discussed at the Congress was the need to actively contribute to the formation of a Communist Party in Russia, which was presented as a strategic task for the coming period. Delegates stressed that this requires raising internal standards, strengthening discipline, and improving mechanisms of work within the organization. In this context, the Congress reviewed the experience of the “Candidate School,” established after the previous Congress, and decided to move further by introducing a Party School aimed at providing more advanced theoretical and political training for experienced members.
During the Congress, reports were presented by members of the outgoing Central Committee and its commissions, as well as by the Central Control Commission. The work of these bodies was evaluated as generally satisfactory, though delegates also raised criticisms regarding specific areas of activity.
Issues related to organizational development and cadre policy also occupied a significant place in the Congress proceedings. Particular attention was given to security considerations, with a decision adopted to develop and implement updated standards across the organization. Measures were also introduced to increase requirements for new members, including a longer probationary period, as well as to address existing shortcomings in internal кадровая policy. The Congress further approved contingency measures in the event of a significant tightening of political conditions.
Work among students was highlighted as an important area of activity. Delegates referred to recent protests at the Russian State University for the Humanities as a moment that, despite confirming earlier concerns about the limitations of such movements, contributed to renewed engagement and growth in several regional branches.
The Congress also reviewed and amended the organization’s Statute in response to its expanding membership, aiming to improve the flexibility of local structures and streamline internal processes. Contributions from representatives of regional branches provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and identify ways to strengthen coordination and organizational work at the local level.
In addition to internal matters, the Congress adopted resolutions expressing solidarity with the Communist Party of Venezuela and with the Palestinian people, reflecting its continued emphasis on international issues.
At the conclusion of its work, the Congress elected new members to the Central Committee and the Central Control Commission, marking the transition to a new leadership period for the organization.
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