Russians are still fleeing abroad, citing fears of a new mobilization and a loss of freedom
Kovcheg said inquiries jumped nearly eightfold last month as Russians cited draft fears, internet restrictions and economic strain.
- Russians are once again leaving the country amid persistent rumors of a new troop mobilization for the 4 1/2-year-old war. Unlike 2022, current departures lack massive border queues or ticket shortages, though social media confirms ongoing departures for war-related reasons.
- Fears of a coming mobilization intensified this summer following Ukrainian drone attacks that caused fuel shortages and internet restrictions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alleged Russia plans another call-up after State Duma elections, claims the Kremlin has repeatedly rejected.
- Support group Kovcheg reported receiving nearly eight times more queries last month than in May, reflecting a "panicked wave" of emigration. Yan Slovitsky, an urgent assistance coordinator for Kovcheg, linked the trend to mobilization fears and internet restrictions.
- As Russians head to visa-free destinations like Armenia and Georgia, Alen Simonyan, secretary of Armenia's Security Council, said his country "will not interfere in any way, and if necessary, will help." Russian lawmaker Viktor Sobolev took a dismissive stance, saying "Let them leave."
- Many emigres describe Russia as a "huge digital jail" with no rights, prompting departures despite lacking the desperation of 2022. A 35-year-old told The Associated Press he fears normalizing violence and economic decline, while queer activist Daniil Neonov left after a 10-day jail term.
46 Articles
46 Articles
Citing Draft Fears and Lost Freedoms, Russians Are Fleeing
This summer, a 28-year-old digital content marketer packed up his followingcases and duct-taped boxes and fled Russia, leaving behind his family and friends and not knowing when he'll be able to return. "It is very sad to leave Russia," he said in the southern city of Krasnodar before heading for...
Some Russians are fleeing abroad, citing draft fears and a loss of freedom
Some Russians have left the country this year amid rumors of a new mobilization of troops for the war in Ukraine as well as a crackdown on their personal freedoms. One digital content marketer says he left for Georgia because…
Russia is buzzing with rumors about a possible new mobilization following the parliamentary elections on September 20. Some Russians take it...
More Russians are fleeing the country, fearful and uncertain about the future
This summer, a 28-year-old digital content marketer packed up his suitcases and duct-taped boxes and fled the country, leaving behind his family and friends and not knowing when he'll be able to return.
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