COBORD (Compassion Over Borders) is a next-generation international network of animal advocates, journalists, and researchers dedicated to systemic change. We believe that compassion should not stop at geographical or political borders. In an increasingly fragmented world, COBORD serves as a vital infrastructure — a bridge connecting local grassroots efforts with global expertise and strategic intelligence.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower the global animal protection movement by providing the data, education, and connectivity needed to challenge the status quo. We move beyond traditional reporting to create a proactive ecosystem where information leads directly to informed, high-impact action.
Legal Status & Leadership
COBORD is legally registered in France as the non-profit association Compassion Over Borders. This legal framework ensures full transparency and accountability in our global operations, providing a secure foundation for our donors, partners, and activists worldwide.
COBORD was founded by dedicated animal advocates with a unique blend of strategic, legal, and field experience.
Yuri Koretskikh
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Yuri is a prominent activist with over a decade of high-level leadership in the animal rights movement backed by ten years spent in IT. For more than 10 years, he served as the Executive Director of the Alliance for Animals, which grew to become Russia’s largest animal protection organization under his leadership. In 2025, following his forced emigration to France, Yuri partnered with Oleg Ozerov to found COBORD.
“Nowadays compassion is no longer enough. We need strategic intelligence, professional training, and unbreakable bridges between communities to win the long-term battle for animal rights.” — Yuri Koretskikh
Oleg Ozerov
Co-Founder & Strategic Lead
Oleg is an international animal rights activist with extensive experience across Russia and Georgia, also held projects in Belarus, Armenia and other countries across the globe. Ex-journalist with two decades of experience, including several years in the position of chief editor of news websites, Oleg translated dozens of animal rights books and movies into Russian in order to spread the word. He relocated from Moscow to Tbilisi in 2013 and currently holds the position of Vice President in Vegan Georgia. Within COBORD, Oleg focuses on Bridging Communities — constructing the education department of COBORD and empowering local grassroots movements with the resources and collective strength to drive systemic change.
“No activist should be in isolation. COBORD exists to ensure that the experience of one community becomes the strength of the entire global network.“ — Oleg Ozerov
How We Work: The Four Pillars of COBORD
To achieve long-term victory for animals, we focus our efforts on four key areas:
1. Global Intelligence (News & Analysis)
We provide a transparent, multi-layered look at the state of animal welfare worldwide. Through our unique network of Field Correspondents and expert analysts, we verify information from the front lines, ensuring our community has access to the truth, free from borders and censorship.
2. The COBORD Academy (Education)
Knowledge is our strongest tool. Our Academy provides advocates with the skills needed for 2026 and beyond — from Animal Law & Policy to Digital Advocacy Tools and Scientific Foundations. We train the next generation of leaders to be effective, safe, and technologically advanced.
3. Strategic Action (Our Projects)
COBORD doesn’t just observe; we intervene. Our projects range from local investigations and legal lobbying to global campaigns targeting the root causes of animal suffering in factory farming, wildlife trade, and beyond.
4. Bridging Communities (Join the Network)
We are more than an organization; we are a network. By uniting activists from diverse cultures and backgrounds, we build bridges of cooperation that allow local movements to scale their impact globally.
Our Core Principles
Promoting Plant-Based Living: Fostering a culture free from animal exploitation to build a sustainable foundation for the future of our planet.
Focus on the Most Vulnerable: Prioritizing the protection of farmed animals, who currently represent the most massively oppressed and disenfranchised category of sentient beings.
Comprehensive Animal Rights Advocacy: Extending our impact across the entertainment industry, scientific research, companion animal welfare, and other critical areas.
Effective Altruism: A steadfast commitment to evidence-based strategies and a drive for systemic, long-term change.
Ethical Principles
We firmly oppose all forms of discrimination and maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any infringement of human rights based on race, nationality, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, health status, or other beliefs. Our organization guarantees equal access to resources and a respectful attitude toward everyone, upholding inclusivity and justice as our fundamental operating standards.