The article provides insight into the main ideas and conclusions of the monograph written by Elizaveta Gromoglasova, the relevance of which has increased in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The growing humanitarian needs of the vulnerable population in conflict zones as well as traditional donor countries, are outlined. The increasing politicization of humanitarian aid is highlighted, inter alia, in the EU Member States. Based on the main features of modern Russian humanitarian diplomacy, which were identified by the author, the directions, motivations and problems of Russia's humanitarian cooperation with European countries during the pandemic are revealed. The article points out the high value of the monograph both for University teaching in the field of international relations and for practical actions in the field of foreign policy.