Russian emigration during the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Difference between revisions

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{{Campaignbox Russo-Ukrainian War}}{{Campaignbox 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
{{Campaignbox Russo-Ukrainian War}}{{Campaignbox 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}}


Following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] that started in late February 2022, more than 300,000 [[Russian citizen]]s and residents are estimated to have left [[Russia]] by mid-March 2022, at least 500,000 by the end of August 2022,{{citation needed (lead)|date=March 2023}} and an additional 400,000<ref name="370k" /> by early October, for a total of approximately 900,000. This number includes [[economic migrant]]s, [[conscientious objector]]s, and some [[Right of asylum|political refugees]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/fleeing-putin-thousands-of-educated-russians-are-moving-abroad-11649583003|title=Fleeing Putin, Thousands of Educated Russians Are Moving Abroad|first1=Georgi|last1=Kantchev|first2=Evan|last2=Gershkovich|first3=Yuliya|last3=Chernova|date=April 10, 2022|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=2022-04-12 |archive-date=2022-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412193407/https://www.wsj.com/articles/fleeing-putin-thousands-of-educated-russians-are-moving-abroad-11649583003|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Demytrie |first=Rayhan |date=March 13, 2022 |title=Russia faces brain drain as thousands flee abroad |no-pp=y |work=BBC News |location=Tbilisi, Georgia |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60697763 |access-date=2022-04-06 |archive-date=2022-03-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314123323/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60697763 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bershidsky |first=Leonid |date=15 March 2022 |title=Russia's Brain Drain Becomes a Stampede for the Exits |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-16/russia-emigration-up-after-putin-s-ukraine-invasion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220316060940/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-16/russia-emigration-up-after-putin-s-ukraine-invasion |archive-date=2022-03-16 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Russia's war migrants find mixed reception in Georgia |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/04/04/world/russia-war-migrants-mixed-reception-georgia/ |work=Japan Times |date=4 April 2022 |access-date=2022-04-10 |archive-date=2022-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410172458/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/04/04/world/russia-war-migrants-mixed-reception-georgia/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="dw-exodus">{{cite news |title=Who are the Russians leaving their country? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-the-russians-leaving-their-country/a-61364390 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=5 April 2022 |access-date=2022-04-10 |archive-date=2022-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407005734/https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-the-russians-leaving-their-country/a-61364390 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] that started in late February 2022, more than 300,000 [[Russian citizen]]s and residents are estimated to have left [[Russia]] by mid-March 2022, at least 500,000 by the end of August 2022,{{not verified in body|date=March 2023}} and an additional 400,000<ref name="370k" /> by early October, for a total of approximately 900,000. This number includes [[economic migrant]]s, [[conscientious objector]]s, and some [[Right of asylum|political refugees]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/fleeing-putin-thousands-of-educated-russians-are-moving-abroad-11649583003|title=Fleeing Putin, Thousands of Educated Russians Are Moving Abroad|first1=Georgi|last1=Kantchev|first2=Evan|last2=Gershkovich|first3=Yuliya|last3=Chernova|date=April 10, 2022|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=2022-04-12 |archive-date=2022-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412193407/https://www.wsj.com/articles/fleeing-putin-thousands-of-educated-russians-are-moving-abroad-11649583003|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Demytrie |first=Rayhan |date=March 13, 2022 |title=Russia faces brain drain as thousands flee abroad |no-pp=y |work=BBC News |location=Tbilisi, Georgia |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60697763 |access-date=2022-04-06 |archive-date=2022-03-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314123323/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60697763 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bershidsky |first=Leonid |date=15 March 2022 |title=Russia's Brain Drain Becomes a Stampede for the Exits |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-16/russia-emigration-up-after-putin-s-ukraine-invasion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220316060940/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-16/russia-emigration-up-after-putin-s-ukraine-invasion |archive-date=2022-03-16 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bacchi |first1=Umberto |last2=Davydova |first2=Angelina |date=2022-04-04 |title=FEATURE-Russia's war migrants find mixed reception in Georgia |language= |work=Reuters |url=https://jp.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-migrants-idUSL5N2VW3MK |access-date=2023-07-26}}</ref><ref name="dw-exodus">{{cite news |last=Boutsko |first=Anastassia |date=5 April 2022 |title=Who are the Russians leaving their country? |work=Deutsche Welle |url=https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-the-russians-leaving-their-country/a-61364390 |url-status=live |access-date=2022-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407005734/https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-the-russians-leaving-their-country/a-61364390 |archive-date=2022-04-07}}</ref>


==Reasons for exodus==
==Reasons for exodus==
{{further|Russian 2022 war censorship laws|Economic impact of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|2022 Russian mobilization}}
{{further|Russian 2022 war censorship laws|Economic impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine|2022 Russian mobilization}}
[[File:Protest of Russians in the Czech Republic against the war in Ukraine.png|thumb|Protest of [[Russians]] living in the [[Czech Republic]] against the war in Ukraine. People fleeing Russia are mostly young and educated.<ref>{{cite news |title='We realized that there's no way we can return': Russia's best and brightest are leaving the country in record numbers. 6 young Russians explain why they left |url=https://fortune.com/2022/08/20/russia-brain-drain-young-russians-leaving-after-ukraine-war-putin/ |work=Fortune |date=20 August 2022}}</ref> Protesters in the photo are flying the [[White-blue-white flag]].]]
[[File:Protest of Russians in the Czech Republic against the war in Ukraine.png|thumb|Protest of [[Russians]] living in the [[Czech Republic]] against the war in Ukraine. People fleeing Russia are mostly young and educated.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lau |first=Yvonne |date=20 August 2022 |title='We realized that there's no way we can return': Russia's best and brightest are leaving the country in record numbers. 6 young Russians explain why they left |work=Fortune |url=https://fortune.com/2022/08/20/russia-brain-drain-young-russians-leaving-after-ukraine-war-putin/}}</ref> Protesters in the photo are flying the [[White-blue-white flag]].]]
There have been at least three waves of Russian emigration.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gilchrist |first=Karen |title=A second wave of Russians is fleeing Putin's regime |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/14/russians-flee-putins-regime-after-ukraine-war-in-second-wave-of-migration.html |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=CNBC |date=14 July 2022 |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923023436/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/14/russians-flee-putins-regime-after-ukraine-war-in-second-wave-of-migration.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
There have been at least three waves of Russian emigration.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gilchrist |first=Karen |title=A second wave of Russians is fleeing Putin's regime |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/14/russians-flee-putins-regime-after-ukraine-war-in-second-wave-of-migration.html |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=CNBC |date=14 July 2022 |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923023436/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/14/russians-flee-putins-regime-after-ukraine-war-in-second-wave-of-migration.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


===First wave===
===First wave===
In the first wave, immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, journalists, politicians, and tech workers fled. Many sought to evade [[criminal prosecution]] for exercising [[free speech]] regarding the invasion. In March, President [[Vladimir Putin]] introduced [[Russian 2022 war censorship laws|prison sentences of up to 15 years]] for publishing "fake news" about Russian military operations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Even Russia's Kremlin-backed media is going off message and beginning to question Putin's war on Ukraine |url=https://fortune.com/2022/03/11/russia-kremlin-backed-media-off-message-question-putin-war-ukraine-invasion/ |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=11 March 2022 }}</ref> More than 2,000 people were charged by May 2022 under the laws prohibiting "fake" information about the military.<ref>{{cite news |title=Video shows defiant Russian audience chanting 'fuck the war' at St Petersburg concert |url=https://africa.businessinsider.com/news/video-shows-defiant-russian-audience-chanting-fuck-the-war-at-st-petersburg-concert/vqj7s2q |work=Business Insider |date=23 May 2022}}</ref> Nina Belyayeva, a [[Communist Party of the Russian Federation|Communist Party]] deputy in the [[Voronezh Oblast]] Legislative Assembly, stated that she fled Russia due to threats of criminal prosecution and imprisonment for having spoken against the invasion, saying, "I realized that it was better to leave now. Once a criminal case is opened, it could be too late."<ref>{{cite web|date=8 April 2022|title='If I Didn't Speak Out, I Wouldn't Be a True Christian'|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/08/if-i-didnt-speak-out-i-wouldnt-be-a-true-christian-a77280|author-last=Belyayeva|author-first=Nina|access-date=9 April 2022|work=The Moscow Times|archive-date=2022-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409121701/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/08/if-i-didnt-speak-out-i-wouldnt-be-a-true-christian-a77280|url-status=live}}</ref> Journalist Boris Grozovski stated that "We are refugees. Personally, I was wanted by the police in Russia for distributing anti-war petitions... We ran not from bullets, bombs and missiles, but from prison. If I wrote what I write now while in Russia, I would inevitably go to prison for 15–20 years."<ref>{{cite web |date=8 March 2022 |title='We are refugees': Russians flee rising authoritarianism |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/8/we-are-refugees-russians-flee-rising-authoritarianism |author-last= |author-first= |access-date=8 March 2022 |work=[[Al Jazeera]] |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309053733/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/8/we-are-refugees-russians-flee-rising-authoritarianism |url-status=live }}</ref> Actress [[Chulpan Khamatova]] stayed in exile in Latvia after she signed a petition against the war in Ukraine. She stated: "it was made clear to me it would be undesirable for me to go back," adding "I know I am not a traitor. I love my motherland very much."<ref>{{cite web | title=Russian Actress Chulpan Khamatova In Exile Following Criticism Of Ukraine War | website=RFE/RL | date=21 March 2022 | url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-actress-khamatova-exile-latvia/31763722.html | access-date=2022-04-10 | archive-date=2022-03-21 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321192615/https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-actress-khamatova-exile-latvia/31763722.html | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Bolshoi Ballet]] dancer [[Olga Smirnova (dancer)|Olga Smirnova]] left Russia to continue her career in the Netherlands in protest of the war.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ru:Прима-балерина Ольга Смирнова покинула Большой театр из-за войны |language=ru |newspaper=Радио Свобода |publisher=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|Svoboda radio]] |trans-title=Prima ballerina Olga Smirnova left the Bolshoi Theater because of the war |date=17 March 2022 |url=https://www.svoboda.org/a/prima-balerina-oljga-smirnova-pokinula-boljshoy-teatr-iz-za-voyny/31757622.html |access-date=2022-04-10 |archive-date=2022-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322205227/https://www.svoboda.org/a/prima-balerina-oljga-smirnova-pokinula-boljshoy-teatr-iz-za-voyny/31757622.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As for tech workers, for many it was made clear that they would have to leave Russia as a condition of employment; in any case, many tech workers can work remotely. According to a Russian IT industry trade group, approximately 50,000-70,000 IT workers fled in the invasion's first month.<ref name=":0" />
In the first wave, immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, journalists, politicians, and tech workers fled. Many sought to evade [[criminal prosecution]] for exercising [[free speech]] regarding the invasion. In March, President [[Vladimir Putin]] introduced [[Russian 2022 war censorship laws|prison sentences of up to 15 years]] for publishing "fake news" about Russian military operations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mellor |first=Sophie |date=11 March 2022 |title=Even Russia's Kremlin-backed media is going off message and beginning to question Putin's war on Ukraine |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |url=https://fortune.com/2022/03/11/russia-kremlin-backed-media-off-message-question-putin-war-ukraine-invasion/}}</ref> More than 2,000 people were charged by May 2022 under the laws prohibiting "fake" information about the military.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zitser |first=Joshua |date=May 22, 2022 |title=Video shows defiant Russian audience chanting 'fuck the war' at St Petersburg concert |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/video-russians-defy-putin-chant-fuck-war-st-petersburg-concert-2022-5 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> Nina Belyayeva, a [[Communist Party of the Russian Federation|Communist Party]] deputy in the [[Voronezh Oblast]] Legislative Assembly, stated that she fled Russia due to threats of criminal prosecution and imprisonment for having spoken against the invasion, saying, "I realized that it was better to leave now. Once a criminal case is opened, it could be too late."<ref>{{cite web|date=8 April 2022|title='If I Didn't Speak Out, I Wouldn't Be a True Christian'|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/08/if-i-didnt-speak-out-i-wouldnt-be-a-true-christian-a77280|author-last=Belyayeva|author-first=Nina|access-date=9 April 2022|work=The Moscow Times|archive-date=2022-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409121701/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/08/if-i-didnt-speak-out-i-wouldnt-be-a-true-christian-a77280|url-status=live}}</ref> Journalist Boris Grozovski stated that "We are refugees. Personally, I was wanted by the police in Russia for distributing anti-war petitions... We ran not from bullets, bombs and missiles, but from prison. If I wrote what I write now while in Russia, I would inevitably go to prison for 15–20 years."<ref>{{cite web |date=8 March 2022 |title='We are refugees': Russians flee rising authoritarianism |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/8/we-are-refugees-russians-flee-rising-authoritarianism |author-last= |author-first= |access-date=8 March 2022 |work=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309053733/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/8/we-are-refugees-russians-flee-rising-authoritarianism |url-status=live }}</ref> Actress [[Chulpan Khamatova]] stayed in exile in Latvia after she signed a petition against the war in Ukraine. She stated: "it was made clear to me it would be undesirable for me to go back," adding "I know I am not a traitor. I love my motherland very much."<ref>{{cite web | title=Russian Actress Chulpan Khamatova In Exile Following Criticism Of Ukraine War | website=RFE/RL | date=21 March 2022 | url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-actress-khamatova-exile-latvia/31763722.html | access-date=2022-04-10 | archive-date=2022-03-21 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321192615/https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-actress-khamatova-exile-latvia/31763722.html | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Bolshoi Ballet]] dancer [[Olga Smirnova (dancer)|Olga Smirnova]] left Russia to continue her career in the Netherlands in protest of the war.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ru:Прима-балерина Ольга Смирнова покинула Большой театр из-за войны |language=ru |newspaper=Радио Свобода |publisher=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|Svoboda radio]] |trans-title=Prima ballerina Olga Smirnova left the Bolshoi Theater because of the war |date=17 March 2022 |url=https://www.svoboda.org/a/prima-balerina-oljga-smirnova-pokinula-boljshoy-teatr-iz-za-voyny/31757622.html |access-date=2022-04-10 |archive-date=2022-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322205227/https://www.svoboda.org/a/prima-balerina-oljga-smirnova-pokinula-boljshoy-teatr-iz-za-voyny/31757622.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As for tech workers, for many it was made clear that they would have to leave Russia as a condition of employment; in any case, many tech workers can work remotely. According to a Russian IT industry trade group, approximately 50,000-70,000 IT workers fled in the invasion's first month.<ref name=":0" />


Among the Russians who left Russia after the invasion of Ukraine were pop legend [[Alla Pugacheva]] and comedian [[Maxim Galkin]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Why it's such a big deal that Alla Pugacheva, 'the tsarina of Russian pop,' came out against the war in Ukraine |url=https://theconversation.com/why-its-such-a-big-deal-that-alla-pugacheva-the-tsarina-of-russian-pop-came-out-against-the-war-in-ukraine-191110 |work=The Conversation |date=29 September 2022}}</ref> television journalist [[Alexander Nevzorov]], diplomat [[Boris Bondarev]], politician and economist [[Anatoly Chubais]], businessman [[Oleg Tinkov]], and rapper [[Oxxxymiron]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian prosecutor asks court to declare anti-war rapper's work 'extremist' - media |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-prosecutor-asks-court-declare-anti-war-rappers-work-extremist-media-2022-08-30/ |work=Reuters |date=30 August 2022}}</ref>
Among the Russians who left Russia after the invasion of Ukraine were pop legend [[Alla Pugacheva]] and comedian [[Maxim Galkin]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Partan |first=Olga |date=29 September 2022 |title=Why it's such a big deal that Alla Pugacheva, 'the tsarina of Russian pop,' came out against the war in Ukraine |work=The Conversation |url=https://theconversation.com/why-its-such-a-big-deal-that-alla-pugacheva-the-tsarina-of-russian-pop-came-out-against-the-war-in-ukraine-191110}}</ref> television journalist [[Alexander Nevzorov]], diplomat [[Boris Bondarev]], politician and economist [[Anatoly Chubais]], businessman [[Oleg Tinkov]], rapper [[Oxxxymiron]],<ref>{{cite news |date=30 August 2022 |title=Russian prosecutor asks court to declare anti-war rapper's work 'extremist' - media |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-prosecutor-asks-court-declare-anti-war-rappers-work-extremist-media-2022-08-30/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001125324/https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-prosecutor-asks-court-declare-anti-war-rappers-work-extremist-media-2022-08-30/ |archive-date=1 October 2022}}</ref> activist [[Diana Isakova]],<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://theins.ru/en/news/254258
|title=Senator Isakov publicly disowns daughter who spoke out against war
|date=2022-08-19
|publisher=The Insider}}
</ref> theater director [[Dmitry Krymov]],<ref>{{cite web
|author=Zinman, Toby
|language =en
|url =https://www.americantheatre.org/2022/04/18/home-is-gone-dmitry-krymovs-cherry-orchard-at-the-wilma/
|title =Home Is Gone: Dmitry Krymov's 'Cherry Orchard' at the Wilma
|publisher = The American Theatre
|date = 2022-04-22
}}</ref> political activist [[Maxim Katz]],<ref>{{Cite web|language=English|url=https://novayagazeta.eu/amp/articles/2023/08/24/russian-political-blogger-maxim-katz-sentenced-to-8-years-imprisonment-in-absentia-en-news|title=Russian political blogger Maxim Katz sentenced to 8 years imprisonment in absentia|date=24 August 2023 |publisher=Novaya Gazeta Europe}}</ref> former paratrooper [[Pavel Filatyev]],<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/01/world/europe/russian-defector-france-book.html |title=A Russian paratrooper seeking asylum in France describes disarray in Putin's military. |author=Dan Bilefsky & Ivan Nechepurenko |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=1 September 2022 }}</ref> political activist [[Lev Ponomaryov]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Exiled Russians Mourn Navalny, Blame Putin For 'Murder' |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/immortal-exiled-russians-mourn-navalny-blame-putin-for-murder-a8ed1a99 |work=Barron's |date=16 February 2024}}</ref> the rave band [[Little Big (band)|Little Big]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=BBC News |date=5 July 2022 |title=Little Big: The rave band who fled Russia – BBC Newsnight |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3kZfLeEqvs |website=YouTube}}</ref> anti-war activist [[Grigory Sverdlin]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dixon |first=Robyn |last2=Abbakumova |first2=Natalia |date=1 December 2023 |title=Russian deserters tell of blood, betrayal and hope in escaping Ukraine war |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/30/russia-deserters-war-ukraine-flee/ |website=The Washington Post}}</ref> and journalist [[Yury Dud]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-the-russians-leaving-their-country/a-61364390 |title=Who are the Russians leaving their country? |website=DW |date=5 April 2022 }}</ref>


As of December 2022, more than 4,000 people were prosecuted under "fake news" laws in connection with the war in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Weir |first1=Fred |title=In Russia, critiquing the Ukraine war could land you in prison |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2022/1205/In-Russia-critiquing-the-Ukraine-war-could-land-you-in-prison |work=CSMonitor.com |date=5 December 2022}}</ref> Russian journalist Maria Ponomarenko was sentenced to six years in prison for publishing information about the [[Mariupol theatre airstrike]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia Jails Anti-War Journalist 6 Years for 'Fake News' |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/02/15/russia-jails-anti-war-journalist-6-years-for-fake-news-a80230 |work=The Moscow Times |date=15 February 2023}}</ref> At least 1,000 Russian journalists have fled Russia since February 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=1K Journalists Have Fled Russia Since Ukraine Invasion – Report |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/02/03/1k-journalists-have-fled-russia-since-ukraine-invasion-report-a80135 |work=The Moscow Times |date=3 February 2023}}</ref>
As of December 2022, more than 4,000 people were prosecuted under "fake news" laws in connection with the war in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Weir |first1=Fred |date=5 December 2022 |title=In Russia, critiquing the Ukraine war could land you in prison |work=Christian Science Monitor |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2022/1205/In-Russia-critiquing-the-Ukraine-war-could-land-you-in-prison}}</ref> Russian journalist Maria Ponomarenko was sentenced to six years in prison for publishing information about the [[Mariupol theatre airstrike]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia Jails Anti-War Journalist 6 Years for 'Fake News' |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/02/15/russia-jails-anti-war-journalist-6-years-for-fake-news-a80230 |work=The Moscow Times |date=15 February 2023}}</ref> At least 1,000 Russian journalists have fled Russia since February 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=1K Journalists Have Fled Russia Since Ukraine Invasion – Report |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/02/03/1k-journalists-have-fled-russia-since-ukraine-invasion-report-a80135 |work=The Moscow Times |date=3 February 2023}}</ref>


===Second wave===
===Second wave===
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A second wave became apparent by July 2022, and this wave consisted more generally of middle and upper class people and parents who had required longer to prepare to emigrate, for example; people with businesses or people who had to wait for their children's school year to end.<ref name=":0" />
A second wave became apparent by July 2022, and this wave consisted more generally of middle and upper class people and parents who had required longer to prepare to emigrate, for example; people with businesses or people who had to wait for their children's school year to end.<ref name=":0" />


In June, it was expected that around 15,000 millionaires would leave Russia in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/14/business/russia-millionaire-exodus/index.html |title=Russia is 'hemorrhaging' millionaires |date=14 June 2022 |access-date=2022-06-15 |archive-date=2022-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615112426/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/14/business/russia-millionaire-exodus/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{update after|2022|08}}<!-- what was the total emigration in 2022 as of the end of July? What was it at the end of August? (the article lede says 500,000, but unable to locate that sourced in the wikipedia article) -->
In June, it was expected that around 15,000 millionaires would leave Russia in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooban |first=Anna |date=14 June 2022 |title=Russia is 'hemorrhaging' millionaires |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/14/business/russia-millionaire-exodus/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615112426/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/14/business/russia-millionaire-exodus/index.html |archive-date=2022-06-15 |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=CNN}}</ref>{{update after|2022|08}}<!-- what was the total emigration in 2022 as of the end of July? What was it at the end of August? (the article lede says 500,000, but unable to locate that sourced in the wikipedia article) -->


===Third wave===
===Third wave===
[[File:Berlin Russian rally in support of Ukraine asv2024-02-25 img16.jpg|thumb|Russian emigrants in [[Berlin]], Germany, 25 February 2024]]
Following Putin's announcement of [[2022 Russian mobilization|partial mobilization]] on 21 September 2022, a third wave of Russian emigration began,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pavlova |first1=Uliana |last2=Lister |first2=Tim |date=21 September 2022 |title=Sharp rise in demand for flights – and in fares – out of Moscow after Putin announces 'partial mobilization' |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/flights-out-of-moscow-russia-putin-intl/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921195440/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/flights-out-of-moscow-russia-putin-intl/index.html |archive-date=21 September 2022}}</ref> with estimates of hundreds of thousands of male citizens fleeing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ridgwell |first=Henry |date=23 September 2022 |title=Thousands of Russians Flee Military Mobilization as Anti-War Protests Erupt |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/thousands-of-russians-flee-military-mobilization-as-anti-war-protests-erupt/6760669.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925001032/https://www.voanews.com/a/thousands-of-russians-flee-military-mobilization-as-anti-war-protests-erupt/6760669.html |archive-date=2022-09-25 |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=VOA |language=en}}</ref> In the first week after the announcement, 98,000 Russians fled to Kazakhstan.<ref name="98kkz">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/98000-russians-fled-to-kazakhstan-amid-putins-mobilization-announcement |title=98,000 Russians fled to Kazakhstan amid Putin's mobilization announcement |publisher=[[PBS]] |work=[[PBS NewsHour]] |date=2022-09-27 |accessdate=2022-09-27 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-09-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927232916/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/98000-russians-fled-to-kazakhstan-amid-putins-mobilization-announcement |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 September alone over 8,500 Russians entered Finland by land, a 62% increase on the previous Saturday.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=McCarthy |first1=Simone |last2=Krebs |first2=Katharina |last3=Gigova |first3=Radina |date=2022-09-25 |title=Protests, drafting mistakes and an exodus: Putin's mobilization off to chaotic start |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/25/europe/russian-mobilization-putin-exodus-chaos-new-laws-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926135842/https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/25/europe/russian-mobilization-putin-exodus-chaos-new-laws-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=2022-09-26 |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> On the following day, it was reported that "On the border with Georgia, queues of Russian cars stretch back more than {{convert|30|km}},"<ref>{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Matt |date=25 September 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Hundreds arrested as Russian draft protests continue |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63021118 |url-status=live |access-date=2022-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926062116/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63021118 |archive-date=2022-09-26}}</ref> while at checkpoints bordering the regions of Kostanay and Western Kazakhstan, "footage of cars queuing to leave Russia show lines that stretch as far as the eye can see."<ref>{{cite web |last=Moldabekov |first=Daniyar |date=September 23, 2022 |title=Kazakhstan: Russians crush in to escape mobilization |url=https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-russians-crush-in-to-escape-mobilization |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926123457/https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-russians-crush-in-to-escape-mobilization |archive-date=2022-09-26 |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Eurasianet}}</ref>


In this third wave alone, nearly 300,000 Russian citizens had left Russia before 27 September,<ref name="cbc-exodus"/> with that number approaching 400,000 by 4 October.<ref name="370k">{{Cite web |url=https://www.newsweek.com/putin-mobilization-backfires-russians-flee-kazakhstan-georgia-eu-1748771 |title=Putin's Mobilization Backfires as 370,000 Flee Russia in Two Weeks |last=van Brugen |first=Isabel |date=2022-10-04 |accessdate=2022-10-04 |language=en-US |work=[[Newsweek]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gizitdinov |first1=Nariman |last2=Bedwell |first2=Helena |date=4 October 2022 |title=More Russians Flee Than Join Putin's Army After War Call-Up |work=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-04/more-russians-flee-than-join-putin-s-army-after-call-up-for-war}}</ref> An upper estimate is for 700,000 Russians to have fled conscription since it was announced.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-06 |title=Factbox: Where have Russians been fleeing to since mobilisation began? |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/where-have-russians-been-fleeing-since-mobilisation-began-2022-10-06/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2022-10-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105105354/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/where-have-russians-been-fleeing-since-mobilisation-began-2022-10-06/ |archive-date=5 January 2023}}</ref> Many went to Kazakhstan, [[Russians in Serbia|Serbia]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Standish |first=Reid |date=28 September 2022 |title=Belgrade's Russian Emigres Grapple With New Lives In Serbia |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-emigres-belgrade-ukraine-war/32056264.html}}</ref> Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, and Finland.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Litvinova |first=Dasha |date=2022-09-27 |title=Over 194,000 Russians flee call-up to neighboring countries |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-estonia-kazakhstan-d851fdd9e99bedbf4e01b98efd18d14b |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=AP NEWS}}</ref>
Following Putin's announcement of [[2022 Russian mobilization|partial mobilization]] on 21 September, a third wave of Russian emigration began,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pavlova |first1=Uliana |last2=Lister |first2=Tim |date=21 September 2022 |title=Sharp rise in demand for flights – and in fares – out of Moscow after Putin announces 'partial mobilization' |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/flights-out-of-moscow-russia-putin-intl/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921195440/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/flights-out-of-moscow-russia-putin-intl/index.html |archive-date=21 September 2022}}</ref> with estimates of hundreds of thousands of male citizens fleeing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thousands of Russians Flee Military Mobilization as Anti-War Protests Erupt |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/thousands-of-russians-flee-military-mobilization-as-anti-war-protests-erupt/6760669.html |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=VOA |date=23 September 2022 |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925001032/https://www.voanews.com/a/thousands-of-russians-flee-military-mobilization-as-anti-war-protests-erupt/6760669.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the first week after the announcement, 98,000 Russians fled to Kazakhstan.<ref name="98kkz">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/98000-russians-fled-to-kazakhstan-amid-putins-mobilization-announcement |title=98,000 Russians fled to Kazakhstan amid Putin's mobilization announcement |publisher=[[PBS]] |work=[[PBS NewsHour]] |date=2022-09-27 |accessdate=2022-09-27 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-09-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927232916/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/98000-russians-fled-to-kazakhstan-amid-putins-mobilization-announcement |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 September alone over 8,500 Russians entered Finland by land, a 62% increase on the previous Saturday.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Katharina Krebs,Radina Gigova,Simone |date=2022-09-25 |title=Protests, drafting mistakes and an exodus: Putin's mobilization off to chaotic start |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/25/europe/russian-mobilization-putin-exodus-chaos-new-laws-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926135842/https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/25/europe/russian-mobilization-putin-exodus-chaos-new-laws-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On the following day, it was reported that "On the border with Georgia, queues of Russian cars stretch back more than {{convert|30|km}},"<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63021118 | title=Ukraine war: Hundreds arrested as Russian draft protests continue | work=BBC News | date=25 September 2022 | access-date=2022-09-26 | archive-date=2022-09-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926062116/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63021118 | url-status=live }}</ref> while at checkpoints bordering the regions of Kostanay and Western Kazakhstan, "footage of cars queuing to leave Russia show lines that stretch as far as the eye can see."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-russians-crush-in-to-escape-mobilization | title=Kazakhstan: Russians crush in to escape mobilization &#124; Eurasianet | access-date=2022-09-26 | archive-date=2022-09-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926123457/https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-russians-crush-in-to-escape-mobilization | url-status=live }}</ref>

In this third wave alone, nearly 300,000 Russian citizens had left Russia before 27 September,<ref name="cbc-exodus"/> with that number approaching 400,000 by 4 October.<ref name="370k">{{Cite web |url=https://www.newsweek.com/putin-mobilization-backfires-russians-flee-kazakhstan-georgia-eu-1748771 |title=Putin's Mobilization Backfires as 370,000 Flee Russia in Two Weeks |last=van Brugen |first=Isabel |date=2022-10-04 |accessdate=2022-10-04 |language=en-US |work=[[Newsweek]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gizitdinov |first1=Nariman |last2=Bedwell |first2=Helena |date=4 October 2022 |title=More Russians Flee Than Join Putin's Army After War Call-Up |work=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-04/more-russians-flee-than-join-putin-s-army-after-call-up-for-war}}</ref> An upper estimate is for 700,000 Russians to have fled conscription since it was announced.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-06 |title=Factbox: Where have Russians been fleeing to since mobilisation began? |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/where-have-russians-been-fleeing-since-mobilisation-began-2022-10-06/ |access-date=2022-10-17}}</ref> Many went to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, [[Russians in Serbia|Serbia]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Belgrade's Russian Emigres Grapple With New Lives In Serbia |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-emigres-belgrade-ukraine-war/32056264.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=28 September 2022}}</ref> Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Tajikistan and Finland.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-27 |title=Over 194,000 Russians flee call-up to neighboring countries |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-estonia-kazakhstan-d851fdd9e99bedbf4e01b98efd18d14b |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=AP NEWS}}</ref>


Putin signed a decree introducing prison terms of up to 15 years for wartime acts, including [[Surrender (military)|voluntary surrender]] and [[desertion]] during mobilization or war.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian Lawmakers Approve Long Jail Terms for Military Surrender, Refusal to Serve |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/09/20/russian-lawmakers-approve-long-jail-terms-for-military-surrender-refusal-to-serve-a78843 |work=The Moscow Times |date=20 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Russia stiffens penalty for desertion; replaces top general |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/24/putin-toughens-penalty-for-surrender-refusal-to-fight-in-ukraine |work=Al Jazeera |date=24 September 2022}}</ref>
Putin signed a decree introducing prison terms of up to 15 years for wartime acts, including [[Surrender (military)|voluntary surrender]] and [[desertion]] during mobilization or war.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian Lawmakers Approve Long Jail Terms for Military Surrender, Refusal to Serve |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/09/20/russian-lawmakers-approve-long-jail-terms-for-military-surrender-refusal-to-serve-a78843 |work=The Moscow Times |date=20 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Russia stiffens penalty for desertion; replaces top general |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/24/putin-toughens-penalty-for-surrender-refusal-to-fight-in-ukraine |work=Al Jazeera |date=24 September 2022}}</ref>


Actor [[Artur Smolyaninov]] fled Russia in October 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=State Duma deputy promises to have actor Artur Smolyaninov investigated |url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2023/01/08/state-duma-deputy-promises-to-have-actor-artur-smolyaninov-investigated |work=[[Meduza]] |date=8 January 2023}}</ref> He was charged for "discrediting" the military under the [[Russian fake news laws|"fake news" laws]], for making anti-war statements after he had left Russia.<ref>[https://meduza.io/news/2022/10/17/na-aktera-artura-smolyaninova-sostavili-protokol-o-diskreditatsii-armii-nedavno-on-dal-intervyu-meduze На актера Артура Смольянинова составили протокол о «дискредитации» армии. Недавно он дал интервью «Медузе»], Meduza, 17 October 2022.</ref>
Actor [[Artur Smolyaninov]] fled Russia in October 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=State Duma deputy promises to have actor Artur Smolyaninov investigated |url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2023/01/08/state-duma-deputy-promises-to-have-actor-artur-smolyaninov-investigated |work=[[Meduza]] |date=8 January 2023}}</ref> He was charged for "discrediting" the military under the [[Russian fake news laws|"fake news" laws]], for making anti-war statements after he had left Russia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=На актера Артура Смольянинова составили протокол о "дискредитации" армии. Недавно он дал интервью "Медузе" |url=https://meduza.io/news/2022/10/17/na-aktera-artura-smolyaninova-sostavili-protokol-o-diskreditatsii-armii-nedavno-on-dal-intervyu-meduze |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=Meduza |language=ru}}</ref>


==Destinations==
==Destinations==
Among the destinations chosen by Russian nationals are [[Turkey]], with more than 100,000 Russians seeking residence,<ref name=Turk>{{cite news |last1=Spicer |first1=Jonathan |title=Ukraine working with Turkey, understands parallel ties to Russia, Ukrainian diplomat says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-working-with-turkey-understands-parallel-ties-russia-ukrainian-diplomat-2022-04-16/ |access-date=2 May 2022 |work=Reuters |date=16 April 2022 |language=en |quote=The diplomat cited data showing more than 100,000 Russians had arrived in Turkey and sought residence documents since the war began |archive-date=2022-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502001715/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-working-with-turkey-understands-parallel-ties-russia-ukrainian-diplomat-2022-04-16/ |url-status=live }}</ref> many using [[Turkish Airlines]] to fly to [[Antalya]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Petchenik |first1=Ian |title=Where are flights leaving Russia going? |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/where-are-flights-leaving-russia-going/ |website=[[Flightradar24]] Blog |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923172626/https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/where-are-flights-leaving-russia-going/ |archive-date=23 September 2022 |date=22 September 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and [[Armenia]] also received large numbers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/17/1087287150/putins-warning-to-anti-war-russians-evokes-stalinist-purges|title=Putin's warning to anti-war Russians evokes Stalinist purges|date=March 17, 2022|work=NPR|access-date=2022-04-07 |archive-date=2022-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407184049/https://www.npr.org/2022/03/17/1087287150/putins-warning-to-anti-war-russians-evokes-stalinist-purges|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Plantan |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Henry |first2=Laura A. |date=2022-03-31 |title=Analysis {{!}} Putin called fleeing Russians 'traitors.' Who's actually leaving? |no-pp=y |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/03/31/russian-activists-exile-putin-protests/ |access-date=2022-04-04 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=2022-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404190824/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/03/31/russian-activists-exile-putin-protests/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Najibullah |first=Farangis |date=2022-03-14 |title=Fearing Fallout From Putin's War, Russians Flee Abroad |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russians-flee-fearing-war-fallout/31752961.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220321071539/https://www.rferl.org/a/russians-flee-fearing-war-fallout/31752961.html |archive-date=2022-03-21 |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty }}</ref><ref name="Newarker">{{Cite magazine |last=Gessen |first=Masha |date=March 17, 2022 |title=The Russians Fleeing Putin's Wartime Crackdown |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/03/28/the-russians-fleeing-putins-wartime-crackdown |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |no-pp=y |access-date=2022-04-06 |archive-date=2022-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327004825/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/03/28/the-russians-fleeing-putins-wartime-crackdown |url-status=live }}</ref> By early April, an estimated 100,000 Russians had [[Russians in Georgia|fled to Georgia]] and 50,000<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://arka.am/en/news/business/minister_some_50_000_people_relocate_to_armenia_/ | title=Minister: Some 50,000 people relocate to Armenia }}</ref> [[Russians in Armenia|went to Armenia]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Is Putin's war spreading? |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/putin-s-war-risks-spreading |work=The Spectator |date=25 March 2022 |access-date=2022-04-10 |archive-date=2022-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329141955/https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/putin-s-war-risks-spreading |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, 104,000 Russian citizens have registered their stay in [[Serbia]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vukadinović |first=Dejana |date=2022-11-09 |title=Novi đaci iz Rusije i Ukrajine u srpskim školama: Privremeni dom za jedne, novi život za druge |url=https://www.bbc.com/serbian/lat/srbija-62672074 |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=BBC News |language=sr-latn}}</ref>
Among the destinations chosen by Russian nationals are [[Turkey]], with more than 100,000 Russians seeking residence,<ref name=Turk>{{cite news |last1=Spicer |first1=Jonathan |title=Ukraine working with Turkey, understands parallel ties to Russia, Ukrainian diplomat says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-working-with-turkey-understands-parallel-ties-russia-ukrainian-diplomat-2022-04-16/ |access-date=2 May 2022 |work=Reuters |date=16 April 2022 |language=en |quote=The diplomat cited data showing more than 100,000 Russians had arrived in Turkey and sought residence documents since the war began |archive-date=2022-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502001715/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-working-with-turkey-understands-parallel-ties-russia-ukrainian-diplomat-2022-04-16/ |url-status=live }}</ref> many using [[Turkish Airlines]] to fly to [[Antalya]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Petchenik |first1=Ian |title=Where are flights leaving Russia going? |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/where-are-flights-leaving-russia-going/ |website=[[Flightradar24]] Blog |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923172626/https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/where-are-flights-leaving-russia-going/ |archive-date=23 September 2022 |date=22 September 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and [[Armenia]] also received large numbers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/17/1087287150/putins-warning-to-anti-war-russians-evokes-stalinist-purges|title=Putin's warning to anti-war Russians evokes Stalinist purges|date=March 17, 2022|work=NPR|access-date=2022-04-07 |archive-date=2022-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407184049/https://www.npr.org/2022/03/17/1087287150/putins-warning-to-anti-war-russians-evokes-stalinist-purges|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Plantan |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Henry |first2=Laura A. |date=2022-03-31 |title=Putin called fleeing Russians 'traitors.' Who's actually leaving? |no-pp=y |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/03/31/russian-activists-exile-putin-protests/ |url-status=live |access-date=2022-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404190824/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/03/31/russian-activists-exile-putin-protests/ |archive-date=2022-04-04 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Najibullah |first=Farangis |date=2022-03-14 |title=Fearing Fallout From Putin's War, Russians Flee Abroad |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russians-flee-fearing-war-fallout/31752961.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220321071539/https://www.rferl.org/a/russians-flee-fearing-war-fallout/31752961.html |archive-date=2022-03-21 |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty }}</ref><ref name="Newarker">{{Cite magazine |last=Gessen |first=Masha |date=March 17, 2022 |title=The Russians Fleeing Putin's Wartime Crackdown |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/03/28/the-russians-fleeing-putins-wartime-crackdown |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |no-pp=y |access-date=2022-04-06 |archive-date=2022-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327004825/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/03/28/the-russians-fleeing-putins-wartime-crackdown |url-status=live }}</ref> By early April, an estimated 100,000 Russians had [[Russians in Georgia|fled to Georgia]] and 50,000<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://arka.am/en/news/business/minister_some_50_000_people_relocate_to_armenia_/ | title=Minister: Some 50,000 people relocate to Armenia | date=7 April 2022 }}</ref> [[Russians in Armenia|went to Armenia]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gavin |first=Gabriel |date=25 March 2022 |title=Is Putin's war spreading? |work=The Spectator |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/putin-s-war-risks-spreading |url-status=live |access-date=2022-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329141955/https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/putin-s-war-risks-spreading |archive-date=2022-03-29}}</ref> In 2022, 104,000 Russian citizens have registered their stay in [[Serbia]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vukadinović |first=Dejana |date=2022-11-09 |title=Novi đaci iz Rusije i Ukrajine u srpskim školama: Privremeni dom za jedne, novi život za druge |url=https://www.bbc.com/serbian/lat/srbija-62672074 |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=BBC News |language=sr-latn}}</ref>


In Latin America, [[Argentina]] received by January 2023 more than 5,000 pregnant Russian [[women]],<ref>{{Cite news |title='Why I, a Russian, went to Argentina to give birth' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-latin-america-64722803 |access-date=2023-03-06}}</ref> who chose to have their children there, due to the ease of obtaining visa, the automatic obtaining of nationality for the newborn and free healthcare.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/02/18/in-argentina-the-russian-baby-boom-is-worrying-the-government_6016383_4.html | title=In Argentina, the Russian baby 'boom' is worrying the government | newspaper=Le Monde.fr | date=18 February 2023 }}</ref>
In Latin America, [[Argentina]] received by January 2023 more than 5,000 pregnant Russian [[women]],<ref>{{Cite news |title='Why I, a Russian, went to Argentina to give birth' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-latin-america-64722803 |access-date=2023-03-06}}</ref> who chose to have their children there, due to the ease of obtaining visa, the automatic obtaining of nationality for the newborn and free healthcare.<ref>{{cite news |last=Genoux |first=Flora |date=18 February 2023 |title=In Argentina, the Russian baby 'boom' is worrying the government |newspaper=Le Monde.fr |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/02/18/in-argentina-the-russian-baby-boom-is-worrying-the-government_6016383_4.html}}</ref> In 2023, 37,700 Russians entered Argentina and 13,000 within the first three months of 2024; with 3,750 of them gaining residence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otsuki |first=Mika |date=2024-04-20 |title=ロシアから1まんキロ以上いじょうはなれたアルゼンチンへ、ビザなし渡航とこう移住いじゅう急増きゅうぞう戦争せんそう忌避きひ動員どういんのがれ |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/world/20240419-OYT1T50177/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420051908/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/world/20240419-OYT1T50177/ |archive-date=2024-04-20 |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=[[Yomiuri Shimbun]] |language=ja}}</ref>


Other major destinations include [[Azerbaijan]], the [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Greece]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Romania]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://romanialibera.ro/investigatii-romania-libera/incognito/cetateni-rusi-intra-in-romania-cu-acte-de-refugiati-ucraineni/|title=Cetățeni ruși intră în România cu acte de refugiați ucraineni - România Liberă|date=10 July 2022 }}</ref> [[Kazakhstan]], [[Kyrgyzstan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Spain]], [[Israel]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Mongolia]], [[Latin America]]n countries, the [[Baltic states]], and the [[United States]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/14/russia-us-asylum-mexico-border|title='We had no choice': over 8,000 Russians seek US refuge in six-month period|work=[[The Guardian]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=2022-04-12 |archive-date=2022-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412193407/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/14/russia-us-asylum-mexico-border|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="dw-exodus"/>
Other major destinations include [[Azerbaijan]], the [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Greece]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Romania]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://romanialibera.ro/investigatii-romania-libera/incognito/cetateni-rusi-intra-in-romania-cu-acte-de-refugiati-ucraineni/|title=Cetățeni ruși intră în România cu acte de refugiați ucraineni - România Liberă|date=10 July 2022 }}</ref> [[Kazakhstan]], [[Kyrgyzstan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Spain]], [[Israel]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Mongolia]], [[Latin America]]n countries, the [[Baltic states]], [[Canada]] and the [[United States]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/14/russia-us-asylum-mexico-border|title='We had no choice': over 8,000 Russians seek US refuge in six-month period|work=[[The Guardian]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=2022-04-12 |archive-date=2022-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412193407/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/14/russia-us-asylum-mexico-border|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="dw-exodus"/>


As the majority of European countries closed their airspace to Russian flights following the invasion, Russians seeking to leave the country have often had to take detours through the [[Caucasus mountains|Caucasus]] or have had to find overland routes. On 25 March, the [[Allegro (train)|high-speed railway]] between [[Saint Petersburg]] and [[Helsinki]] was suspended by Finnish state railway operator [[VR Group|VR]], closing the last direct train route between [[Russia]] and the [[European Union]].<ref>{{cite web|date=28 March 2022|title=End of the line in Finland for last direct EU-Russia train link Access to the comments|url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/03/25/finland-to-stop-eu-s-last-direct-train-link-with-russia|author-last=MacDougall|author-first=David|access-date=9 April 2022|work=Euronews|archive-date=2022-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407175703/https://www.euronews.com/2022/03/25/finland-to-stop-eu-s-last-direct-train-link-with-russia|url-status=live}}</ref> The route had previously been a significant passage out of Russia for Russian citizens, particularly those who already had work or residence connections to Finland, as a valid visa and EU-recognised [[COVID-19 vaccine]] certification was required by the [[Russian government]] for passengers.<ref>{{cite web|date=4 March 2022|title=Russians pack trains into Finland as sanctions bite|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220304-russians-pack-trains-into-finland-as-sanctions-bite|author-last=|author-first=|access-date=9 April 2022|work=France24|archive-date=2022-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405005023/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220304-russians-pack-trains-into-finland-as-sanctions-bite|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=4 March 2022|title=Russians take trains to Finland, one of few remaining escape routes|url=https://yle.fi/news/3-12343658|author-last=|author-first=|access-date=9 April 2022|work=Yle|archive-date=2022-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409121702/https://yle.fi/news/3-12343658|url-status=live}}</ref>
As the majority of European countries closed their airspace to Russian flights following the invasion, Russians seeking to leave the country have often had to take detours through the [[Caucasus mountains|Caucasus]] or have had to find overland routes. On 25 March 2022, the [[Allegro (train)|high-speed railway]] between [[Saint Petersburg]] and [[Helsinki]] was suspended by Finnish state railway operator [[VR Group|VR]], closing the last direct train route between [[Russia]] and the [[European Union]].<ref>{{cite web|date=28 March 2022|title=End of the line in Finland for last direct EU-Russia train link Access to the comments|url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/03/25/finland-to-stop-eu-s-last-direct-train-link-with-russia|author-last=MacDougall|author-first=David|access-date=9 April 2022|work=Euronews|archive-date=2022-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407175703/https://www.euronews.com/2022/03/25/finland-to-stop-eu-s-last-direct-train-link-with-russia|url-status=live}}</ref> The route had previously been a significant passage out of Russia for Russian citizens, particularly those who already had work or residence connections to Finland and the rest of Europe, as a valid visa and EU-recognised [[COVID-19 vaccine]] certification was required by the [[Russian government]] for passengers.<ref>{{cite web|date=4 March 2022|title=Russians pack trains into Finland as sanctions bite|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220304-russians-pack-trains-into-finland-as-sanctions-bite|author-last=|author-first=|access-date=9 April 2022|work=France24|archive-date=2022-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405005023/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220304-russians-pack-trains-into-finland-as-sanctions-bite|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=4 March 2022|title=Russians take trains to Finland, one of few remaining escape routes|url=https://yle.fi/news/3-12343658|author-last=|author-first=|access-date=9 April 2022|work=Yle|archive-date=2022-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409121702/https://yle.fi/news/3-12343658|url-status=live}}</ref>


[[File:Russian voters line up at embassy in Armenia 2.jpg|thumb|Russian emigrants outside the Russian embassy in Yerevan, Armenia as part of the "[[Noon Against Putin]]" protest, 17 March 2024]]
Several EU countries, such as [[Latvia]] and the [[Czech Republic]], have suspended granting visas to Russian citizens, complicating their exit from Russia.<ref>{{cite web|date=5 March 2022|title='Scared to stay': Why some rushed to leave Russia after war|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/5/scared-to-stay-why-some-rushed-to-leave-russia-after-war|author-last=|author-first=|access-date=9 April 2022|work=Al Jazeera|archive-date=2022-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409121702/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/5/scared-to-stay-why-some-rushed-to-leave-russia-after-war|url-status=live}}</ref> Some countries have allowed temporary stays without a visa. Turkey, for example, has allowed Russian citizens without visas to stay for up to two months.<ref name="Newarker"/> However, [[Finland]], [[Poland]] and the [[Baltic Countries|Baltic countries]] of Latvia, [[Lithuania]] and [[Estonia]] announced they will not offer refuge to Russians fleeing mobilization.<ref name="cbc-exodus">{{cite news |title=As masses flee Russia to avoid conscription, European neighbours grapple with whether to let them in |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-draft-flee-border-1.6597416 |work=CBC News |date=27 September 2022}}</ref> In contrast, [[Germany]] offered asylum to Russian oppositionists and conscripts who did not want to go to war with Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany signals willingness to take in Russians fleeing Ukraine war conscription |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-signals-willingness-to-take-in-russians-fleeing-ukraine-war-conscription/a-63211802 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=22 September 2022}}</ref>
Several EU countries, such as [[Latvia]] and the [[Czech Republic]], have suspended granting visas to Russian citizens, complicating their exit from Russia.<ref>{{cite web|date=5 March 2022|title='Scared to stay': Why some rushed to leave Russia after war|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/5/scared-to-stay-why-some-rushed-to-leave-russia-after-war|author-last=|author-first=|access-date=9 April 2022|work=Al Jazeera|archive-date=2022-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409121702/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/5/scared-to-stay-why-some-rushed-to-leave-russia-after-war|url-status=live}}</ref> Some countries have allowed temporary stays without a visa. Turkey, for example, has allowed Russian citizens without visas to stay for up to two months.<ref name="Newarker"/> However, [[Finland]], [[Poland]] and the [[Baltic Countries|Baltic countries]] of Latvia, [[Lithuania]] and [[Estonia]] announced they will not offer refuge to Russians fleeing mobilization.<ref name="cbc-exodus">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Chris |date=27 September 2022 |title=As masses flee Russia to avoid conscription, European neighbours grapple with whether to let them in |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-draft-flee-border-1.6597416}}</ref> In contrast, [[Germany]] offered asylum to Russian oppositionists and conscripts who did not want to go to war with Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany signals willingness to take in Russians fleeing Ukraine war conscription |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-signals-willingness-to-take-in-russians-fleeing-ukraine-war-conscription/a-63211802 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=22 September 2022}}</ref>


Two Russian nationals claimed asylum in the [[United States]] after sailing in a small boat to [[Alaska]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-06 |title=Two Russians sail to Alaska seeking asylum in US |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-63160469 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Two Russian nationals claimed asylum in the [[United States]] after sailing in a small boat to [[Alaska]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabral |first=Sam |date=2022-10-06 |title=Two Russians sail to Alaska seeking asylum in US |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-63160469 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>


At least five yachts carrying Russian nationals have attempted to enter a number of [[South Korea]]n ports, but only two Russian passengers were allowed entry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Yeon-woo |date=2022-10-12 |title=23 Russian nationals fleeing Putin's draft order on yachts attempt to enter Korea |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2022/10/120_337749.html |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=[[The Korea Times]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shin |first=Hyonhee |date=2022-10-13 |title=Russians fleeing Putin's call-up sail to S.Korea, most denied entry |language=en |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/russians-fleeing-putins-call-up-sail-skorea-most-refused-entry-report-2022-10-12/ |access-date=2022-10-15}}</ref>
At least five yachts carrying Russian nationals have attempted to enter a number of [[South Korea]]n ports, but only two Russian passengers were allowed entry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Yeon-woo |date=2022-10-12 |title=23 Russian nationals fleeing Putin's draft order on yachts attempt to enter Korea |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2022/10/120_337749.html |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=[[The Korea Times]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shin |first=Hyonhee |date=2022-10-13 |title=Russians fleeing Putin's call-up sail to S.Korea, most denied entry |language=en |work=[[Reuters]] |editor-last=Cameron-Moore |editor-first=Simon |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/russians-fleeing-putins-call-up-sail-skorea-most-refused-entry-report-2022-10-12/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2022-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130162739/https://www.reuters.com/world/russians-fleeing-putins-call-up-sail-skorea-most-refused-entry-report-2022-10-12/ |archive-date=30 January 2023}}</ref>


Most hotel rooms and [[Airbnb]]s in Kazakhstan were sold out to Russian immigrants within days.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-29/vladimir-putin-faces-more-assertive-central-asian-allies/101547014 |title=This small nation has been under Putin's thumb for years. Now they may be breaking free |newspaper=ABC News |date=28 October 2022 |access-date=2022-10-28 |archive-date=2022-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028232515/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-29/vladimir-putin-faces-more-assertive-central-asian-allies/101547014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Most hotel rooms and [[Airbnb]]s in Kazakhstan were sold out to Russian immigrants within days.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stein |first=Lucia |date=28 October 2022 |title=This small nation has been under Putin's thumb for years. Now they may be breaking free |newspaper=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-29/vladimir-putin-faces-more-assertive-central-asian-allies/101547014 |url-status=live |access-date=2022-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028232515/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-29/vladimir-putin-faces-more-assertive-central-asian-allies/101547014 |archive-date=2022-10-28}}</ref>

In contrast to the official exit polls and results of the [[2024 Russian presidential election]] both inside and outside of Russia, unofficial exit polls of the votes cast abroad showed a much poorer performance for [[Vladimir Putin]]. According to the Vote Abroad project, Putin won 3% in Serbia, 5% in [[Istanbul]], Turkey, 6% in Argentina, 8% in [[Yerevan]], Armenia, 9% in Kazakhstan, 10% in Thailand, 15% in Vietnam and 16% in [[Tel Aviv]], Israel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Exit polls results |url=https://voteabroad.info/ |website=Vote Abroad |access-date=18 March 2024 |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318092033/https://voteabroad.info/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Difficulties faced by emigrants==
==Difficulties faced by emigrants==
[[Amnesty International]] noted that many Russian political emigrants, who entered the [[European Union]] on [[Visa policy of the Schengen Area|Schengen visas]], become [[Illegal immigration|illegal immigrants]] after 90 days because they do not want to [[Asylum seeker|submit an applications]] for [[Right of asylum|asylum]] due to impossibility to continue their activities as journalists, human rights activists, etc., in such case. In addition, many Russian oppositionists and representatives of civil society, who are in Russia or who had migrated to other non-safe countries from Russia (for example, to [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]]-countries), do not have [[Visa policy of the Schengen Area|Schengen visas]] and have difficulties in obtaining them. In this regard, on 25 May 2022, Amnesty International encouraged the [[Cabinet of Germany]] to expand the programme of humanitarian admission ({{lang-de|humanitäre Aufnahmeprogramme}}) on Russians persecuted by [[Russia under Vladimir Putin|Putin's regime]]. This programme should include [[humanitarian visa]]s issuance and granting of temporary [[Residence permit|residence]] and [[Work permit|work]] permits.<ref>{{cite web|title=Deutschland: Russische und Belarusische Menschenrechtsverteidiger innen brauchen Schutz|language=de|date=25 May 2022|publisher=[[Amnesty International]]|url=https://www.amnesty.de/informieren/aktuell/deutschland-russische-und-belarusische-menschenrechtsverteidigerinnen-brauchen-schutz|access-date=2022-05-27 |archive-date=2022-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528005405/https://www.amnesty.de/informieren/aktuell/deutschland-russische-und-belarusische-menschenrechtsverteidigerinnen-brauchen-schutz|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the EU directive from 2022, member states should not accept visa applications from Russians in a third country.<ref>{{cite news |title=Closing Doors: How Europe Is Restricting Russians From Traveling |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-european-union-visas-travel-ukraine-invasion/32080584.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=13 October 2022}}</ref>
[[Amnesty International]] noted that many Russian political emigrants, who entered the [[European Union]] on [[Visa policy of the Schengen Area|Schengen visas]], become [[Illegal immigration|illegal immigrants]] after 90 days because they do not want to [[Asylum seeker|submit applications]] for [[Right of asylum|asylum]] due to the impossibility of continuing their activities as journalists, human rights activists, etc. in such a case. In addition, many Russian oppositionists and representatives of civil society, who are in Russia or who had migrated to other non-safe countries from Russia (for example, to [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]]-countries), do not have [[Visa policy of the Schengen Area|Schengen visas]] and have difficulties in obtaining them. In this regard, on 25 May 2022, Amnesty International encouraged the [[Cabinet of Germany]] to expand the programme of humanitarian admission ({{lang-de|humanitäre Aufnahmeprogramme}}) on Russians persecuted by [[Russia under Vladimir Putin|Putin's regime]]. This programme should include [[humanitarian visa]]s issuance and granting of temporary [[Residence permit|residence]] and [[Work permit|work]] permits.<ref>{{cite web|title=Deutschland: Russische und Belarusische Menschenrechtsverteidiger innen brauchen Schutz|language=de|date=25 May 2022|publisher=[[Amnesty International]]|url=https://www.amnesty.de/informieren/aktuell/deutschland-russische-und-belarusische-menschenrechtsverteidigerinnen-brauchen-schutz|access-date=2022-05-27 |archive-date=2022-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528005405/https://www.amnesty.de/informieren/aktuell/deutschland-russische-und-belarusische-menschenrechtsverteidigerinnen-brauchen-schutz|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the EU directive from 2022, member states should not accept visa applications from Russians in a third country.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foltynova |first=Kristyna |date=13 October 2022 |title=Closing Doors: How Europe Is Restricting Russians From Traveling |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-european-union-visas-travel-ukraine-invasion/32080584.html}}</ref>


==Impact==
==Impact==
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Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, approximately 200,000 Russian citizens entered Georgia from Russia, of which 60,000 had remained in the country while others had crossed into Turkey and Armenia. The peak of migration came at the period of [[2022 Russian mobilization|mobilization in Russia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Economy Minister says "no threat" from Russian capital in 1% of businesses in country|url=https://agenda.ge/en/news/2022/5102|publisher=Agenda.ge |access-date=30 December 2022 |date=30 December 2022}}</ref>
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, approximately 200,000 Russian citizens entered Georgia from Russia, of which 60,000 had remained in the country while others had crossed into Turkey and Armenia. The peak of migration came at the period of [[2022 Russian mobilization|mobilization in Russia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Economy Minister says "no threat" from Russian capital in 1% of businesses in country|url=https://agenda.ge/en/news/2022/5102|publisher=Agenda.ge |access-date=30 December 2022 |date=30 December 2022}}</ref>


The migration has reportedly helped the Georgian economy to grow faster and the [[Georgian lari]] to steadily get stronger.<ref>{{cite web |title=These economies are booming as Putin's war drives migrants and money out of Russia|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/25/georgia-armenia-turkey-economies-boom-with-russian-wealth-migration.html|publisher=Agenda.ge |access-date=25 November 2022 |date=25 November 2022}}</ref> However, the arrival of Russians has also reportedly made real estate prices skyrocket in [[Tbilisi]]; in November 2022, average real estate prices were 210% higher than 1 year prior. An important factor in this is that Russian migrants, often wealthy, are ready to pay much higher sums than Georgians for apartments. This has rendered rent unaffordable for some Georgian locals, exacerbating pre-existing tensions between Russians and Georgians<ref>{{cite web |title=How the war in Ukraine affects the real estate market in Georgia |url=https://jam-news.net/how-the-war-in-ukraine-affects-the-real-estate-market-in-georgia/ |publisher=JAM News |access-date=22 December 2022 |date=28 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Russians fleeing Putin's war add new strain to old tensions in nearby Georgia |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/videos/news/2022/12/22/russians-fleeing-putins-war-add-new-strain-old-tensions-nearby-georgia/10925129002/ |publisher=[[USA Today]] |access-date=22 December 2022 |date=22 December 2022}}</ref> caused by the recent [[Russo-Georgian War]] and the fact that [[Occupied territories of Georgia|20% of Georgian territory is occupied by Russia]].<ref>{{cite news |title='I don't want to shoot anybody': war-averse Russians seek sanctuary in Georgia |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/i-dont-want-shoot-anybody-war-averse-russians-seek-sanctuary-georgia-2022-10-10/ |work=Reuters |date=10 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Russian Runaways Vow to Fight Back Against 'Parasite' Putin |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/russian-exiles-in-georgia-vow-to-fight-back-against-parasite-vladimir-putins-war-in-ukraine |work=Daily Beast |date=23 October 2022}}</ref>
The migration has reportedly helped the Georgian economy to grow faster and the [[Georgian lari]] to steadily get stronger.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilchrist |first=Karen |date=2022-11-25 |title=These economies are booming as Putin's war drives migrants and money out of Russia |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/25/georgia-armenia-turkey-economies-boom-with-russian-wealth-migration.html |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> However, the arrival of Russians has also reportedly made real estate prices skyrocket in [[Tbilisi]]; in November 2022, average real estate prices were 210% higher than 1 year prior. An important factor in this is that Russian migrants, often wealthy, are ready to pay much higher sums than Georgians for apartments. This has rendered rent unaffordable for some Georgian locals, exacerbating pre-existing tensions between Russians and Georgians<ref>{{cite web |title=How the war in Ukraine affects the real estate market in Georgia |url=https://jam-news.net/how-the-war-in-ukraine-affects-the-real-estate-market-in-georgia/ |publisher=JAM News |access-date=22 December 2022 |date=28 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Jacob |first=Pearly |date=22 December 2022 |title=Russians fleeing Putin's war add new strain to old tensions in nearby Georgia |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/videos/news/2022/12/22/russians-fleeing-putins-war-add-new-strain-old-tensions-nearby-georgia/10925129002/ |access-date=22 December 2022 |website=[[USA Today]] |publisher=}}</ref> caused by the recent [[Russo-Georgian War]] and the fact that [[Occupied territories of Georgia|20% of Georgian territory is occupied by Russia]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Cordell |first=Jake |date=10 October 2022 |title='I don't want to shoot anybody': war-averse Russians seek sanctuary in Georgia |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/i-dont-want-shoot-anybody-war-averse-russians-seek-sanctuary-georgia-2022-10-10/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101223750/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/i-dont-want-shoot-anybody-war-averse-russians-seek-sanctuary-georgia-2022-10-10/ |archive-date=1 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Filtenborg |first=Emil |date=23 October 2022 |title=Russian Runaways Vow to Fight Back Against 'Parasite' Putin |work=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/russian-exiles-in-georgia-vow-to-fight-back-against-parasite-vladimir-putins-war-in-ukraine}}</ref>


Other causes of tension are cases of Russian migrants behaving aggressively, demanding to be served in Russian, to be allowed to pay in [[Russian ruble]], etc.<ref name="politico">{{cite web |last1=Parulava |first1=Dato |title=Georgians bristle at the Russian influx|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/georgia-not-happy-tension-with-russian-influx-ukraine-war/ |publisher=[[Politico]] |access-date=22 December 2022 |date=19 October 2022}}</ref>
Other causes of tension are cases of Russian migrants behaving aggressively, demanding to be served in Russian, to be allowed to pay in [[Russian ruble]]s.<ref name="politico">{{cite web |last1=Parulava |first1=Dato |date=19 October 2022 |title=Georgians bristle at the Russian influx |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/georgia-not-happy-tension-with-russian-influx-ukraine-war/ |access-date=22 December 2022 |website=[[Politico]] |publisher=}}</ref>
Screenshots of alleged Russian users (from a large [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]] group of people crossing the Russo-Georgian border) complaining they were not allowed entry into Georgia because of [[Z (military symbol)|Z sign]]s on their cars went viral on the Georgian and Ukrainian internet.<ref name="politico"/>
Screenshots of alleged Russian users (from a large [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]] group of people crossing the Russo-Georgian border) complaining they were not allowed entry into Georgia because of [[Z (military symbol)|Z sign]]s on their cars went viral on the Georgian and Ukrainian internet.<ref name="politico"/>


In October 2022, small-scale protests were held demanding the introduction of a visa regime with Russia, with the ruling [[Georgian Dream]] party dismissing such a step as "irrational".<ref name="jam2">{{cite web |title=222,274 people came to Georgia from Russia in September |url=https://jam-news.net/222274-people-came-to-georgia-from-russia-in-september/ |publisher=JAM News |access-date=22 December 2022 |date=20 October 2022}}</ref>
In October 2022, small-scale protests were held demanding the introduction of a visa regime with Russia, with the ruling [[Georgian Dream]] party dismissing such a step as "irrational".<ref name="jam2">{{cite web |title=222,274 people came to Georgia from Russia in September |url=https://jam-news.net/222274-people-came-to-georgia-from-russia-in-september/ |publisher=JAM News |access-date=22 December 2022 |date=20 October 2022}}</ref>


The [[Federal Security Service|FSB]] has sent agents to infiltrate Georgia amidst the immigration wave. Once exposed, the news "barely makes a ripple" in Georgia's media.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lomsadze |first1=Giorgi |title=Spy's confession sheds light on Russian espionage in Georgia |url=https://eurasianet.org/spys-confession-sheds-light-on-russian-espionage-in-georgia |publisher=[[Eurasianet]] |access-date=22 December 2022}}</ref>
The [[Federal Security Service|FSB]] has sent agents to infiltrate Georgia amidst the immigration wave. Once exposed, the news "barely makes a ripple" in Georgia's media.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lomsadze |first1=Giorgi |date=August 8, 2022 |title=Spy's confession sheds light on Russian espionage in Georgia |url=https://eurasianet.org/spys-confession-sheds-light-on-russian-espionage-in-georgia |access-date=22 December 2022 |website=[[Eurasianet]] |publisher=}}</ref>


Russian exiles in Georgia may be tried in absentia by courts in Russia for attending anti-war rallies. The activities of anti-war Russians abroad are monitored by Russia's [[Centre for Combating Extremism]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian National Fined for Attending Anti-War Rally in Georgia |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/03/31/russian-national-fined-for-attending-anti-war-rally-in-georgia-a80677 |work=The Moscow Times |date=31 March 2023}}</ref> Some Russian exiles in Georgia supported the Georgian pro-democracy opposition and participated in the [[2023 Georgian protests]].<ref>{{cite news |title=While Some Russian Exiles Join Georgia Protests, Others Keep Away |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/03/12/while-some-russian-exiles-join-georgia-protests-others-keep-away-a80455 |work=The Moscow Times |date=12 March 2023}}</ref>
Russian exiles in Georgia may be tried in absentia by courts in Russia for attending anti-war rallies. The activities of anti-war Russians abroad are monitored by Russia's [[Centre for Combating Extremism]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian National Fined for Attending Anti-War Rally in Georgia |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/03/31/russian-national-fined-for-attending-anti-war-rally-in-georgia-a80677 |work=The Moscow Times |date=31 March 2023}}</ref> Some Russian exiles in Georgia supported the Georgian pro-democracy opposition and participated in the [[2023 Georgian protests]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Popov |first=Maxime |date=12 March 2023 |title=While Some Russian Exiles Join Georgia Protests, Others Keep Away |work=The Moscow Times |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/03/12/while-some-russian-exiles-join-georgia-protests-others-keep-away-a80455}}</ref>

According to a September–October 2023 opinion poll, 93% of Georgians are against allowing Russians to register a business or buy real estate in Georgia. More than 30,000 Russians left Georgia in 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=After A Frosty Reception, Tbilisi's Wartime Russians Are Beginning To Leave |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-russians-fleeing-war-leaving-/32784835.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=21 January 2024}}</ref>


===Serbia===
===Serbia===
Russians can travel to Serbia without a visa. Due to the historical and cultural proximity of Serbia and Russia, Russian emigrants are generally welcome in Serbia, but there have been clashes between pro-Putin Serbian nationalists and anti-war Russian migrants. According to data from the Serbian Ministry of Interior from early 2023, more than 200,000 Russians had traveled to Serbia since February 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=200,000 Russians have emigrated to Serbia. They are welcome, although often for the wrong reasons; a look at their lives |url=https://www.nzz.ch/english/serbs-welcome-russian-refugees-for-the-wrong-reasons-ld.1734439 |work=[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]] |date=21 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Serbia stalls plan to ease citizenship rules for Russians amid EU backlash |url=https://www.ft.com/content/62f33a53-05b8-4f3b-b381-5e5f5fad9977 |work=The Financial Times |date=11 May 2023}}</ref>
Russians can travel to Serbia without a visa. Due to the historical and cultural [[Russia–Serbia relations|proximity of Serbia and Russia]], Russian emigrants are generally welcome in Serbia, but there have been clashes between pro-Putin Serbian nationalists and anti-war Russian migrants. According to data from the Serbian Ministry of Interior from early 2023, more than 200,000 Russians had traveled to Serbia since February 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ernst |first=Andreas |date=21 April 2023 |title=200,000 Russians have emigrated to Serbia. They are welcome, although often for the wrong reasons; a look at their lives |work=[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]] |url=https://www.nzz.ch/english/serbs-welcome-russian-refugees-for-the-wrong-reasons-ld.1734439}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Serbia stalls plan to ease citizenship rules for Russians amid EU backlash |url=https://www.ft.com/content/62f33a53-05b8-4f3b-b381-5e5f5fad9977 |work=The Financial Times |date=11 May 2023}}</ref>


===Israel===
===Israel===
Despite expecting mostly [[Jewish]] refugees from Ukraine, Israel has seen more arrivals from Russia.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.HIGHLIGHT-ukraine-war-has-caused-a-huge-surge-in-aliyah-to-israel-from-russia-1.10726476|title = Ukraine War Has Caused a Huge Surge in Aliyah to Israel – from Russia|newspaper = Haaretz|access-date = 2022-04-14 |archive-date = 2022-04-14 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220414100519/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.HIGHLIGHT-ukraine-war-has-caused-a-huge-surge-in-aliyah-to-israel-from-russia-1.10726476|url-status = live}}</ref> While Israel relaxed the "[[Law of Return]]" for Ukrainian emigrants, it did not extend that measure to Russian emigrants, who have instead obtained [[tourist visas]] while starting the citizenship application process.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Israel faces a bigger influx of Russian Jews than Ukrainian Jews {{!}} TRT World |url=https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/israel-faces-a-bigger-influx-of-russian-jews-than-ukrainian-jews-56189/amp |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=www.trtworld.com |archive-date=2022-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415064016/https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/israel-faces-a-bigger-influx-of-russian-jews-than-ukrainian-jews-56189/amp |url-status=live }}</ref>
Despite expecting mostly [[Jewish]] refugees from Ukraine, Israel has seen more arrivals from Russia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maltz |first=Judy |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Ukraine War Has Caused a Huge Surge in Aliyah to Israel – from Russia |newspaper=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.HIGHLIGHT-ukraine-war-has-caused-a-huge-surge-in-aliyah-to-israel-from-russia-1.10726476 |url-status=live |access-date=2022-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414100519/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.HIGHLIGHT-ukraine-war-has-caused-a-huge-surge-in-aliyah-to-israel-from-russia-1.10726476 |archive-date=2022-04-14}}</ref> While Israel relaxed the "[[Law of Return]]" for Ukrainian emigrants, it did not extend that measure to Russian emigrants, who have instead obtained [[tourist visas]] while starting the citizenship application process.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=McKernan |first1=Bethan |last2=Kierszenbaum |first2=Quique |date=2022-10-16 |title='It's driven by fear': Ukrainians and Russians with Jewish roots flee to Israel |language=en-GB |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/16/ukrainians-russians-jews-jewish-roots-flee-israel-aliyah |access-date=2023-07-26 |issn=0029-7712}}</ref>


===Kazakhstan===
===Kazakhstan===
Kazakhstani president [[Kassym-Jomart Tokayev]] said that [[Kazakhstan]] would help fleeing Russians, saying that "most of them are forced to leave because of the current hopeless situation."<ref>{{cite news |date=27 September 2022 |title=Kazakh President Urges Calm and Care for Russians Fleeing Mobilization |work=The Diplomat |url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/kazakh-president-urges-calm-and-care-for-russians-fleeing-mobilization/}}</ref>
In September 2022, Kazakhstani president [[Kassym-Jomart Tokayev]] claimed that [[Kazakhstan]] would help fleeing Russians, saying that "most of them are forced to leave because of the current hopeless situation."<ref>{{cite news |last=Putz |first=Catherine |date=27 September 2022 |title=Kazakh President Urges Calm and Care for Russians Fleeing Mobilization |work=The Diplomat |url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/kazakh-president-urges-calm-and-care-for-russians-fleeing-mobilization/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217180921/https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/kazakh-president-urges-calm-and-care-for-russians-fleeing-mobilization/ |archive-date=17 February 2023}}</ref>


In 2022, Kazakhstan agreed to share the personal data of exiled anti-war Russians with the Russian government. In September 2022, Kazakh authorities detained a Russian journalist wanted in Russia on charges of [[Russian 2022 war censorship laws|"discrediting" the Russian military]].<ref name="Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan">{{cite news |title=Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to Share Data with Moscow on Anti-War Russians, Conscripts |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/06/22/kazakhstan-and-kyrgyzstan-to-share-data-with-moscow-on-anti-war-russians-conscripts-a81594 |work=The Moscow Times |date=22 June 2023}}</ref>
In December 2022, Kazakhstan reportedly deported a Russian citizen, a former presidential guard, who fled mobilization;<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian officer sentenced to 6.5 years for deserting |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-officer-sentenced-65-years-deserting-amid-war-he-opposed-2023-03-24/ |work=Reuters |date=24 March 2023}}</ref> Kazakhstan denied his asylum claim in late November while human rights activists have said that the country's law on refugees allows him to stay in Kazakhstan while his lawyers appeal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/12/30/kazakhstan-reportedly-returns-former-presidential-guard-to-russia-a79851|title=Kazakhstan Reportedly Returns Former Presidential Guard to Russia|website=The Moscow Times|date=30 December 2022}}</ref>


In December 2022, Kazakhstan deported a Russian citizen, a former presidential guard, who fled mobilization;<ref>{{cite news |last=Auyezov |first=Olzhas |date=24 March 2023 |title=Russian officer sentenced to 6.5 years for deserting |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-officer-sentenced-65-years-deserting-amid-war-he-opposed-2023-03-24/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501174747/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-officer-sentenced-65-years-deserting-amid-war-he-opposed-2023-03-24/ |archive-date=1 May 2023}}</ref> Kazakhstan denied his asylum claim in late November while human rights activists have said that the country's law on refugees allows him to stay in Kazakhstan while his lawyers appeal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/12/30/kazakhstan-reportedly-returns-former-presidential-guard-to-russia-a79851|title=Kazakhstan Reportedly Returns Former Presidential Guard to Russia|website=The Moscow Times|date=30 December 2022}}</ref>
In January 2023, Kazakhstan announced they were tightening visa rules, a move that is expected to make it more difficult for Russians to remain in the country.<ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((Ebel, F.)) | newspaper=Washington Post |date=17 January 2023 | title=Kazakhstan tightens visa rules, setting limits for Russians fleeing war duty | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/17/kazakhstan-visas-russia-war-ukraine/ }}</ref><ref>{{Citation | vauthors=Reuters | date=17 January 2023 | title=Kazakhstan ends unlimited stay for Russians | website=Reuters | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kazakhstan-ends-unlimited-stay-russians-2023-01-17/ }}</ref> Kazakhstan said it would extradite Russians wanted for evading mobilization.<ref>{{cite news |title=Living In Fear Of The Draft, Russian Emigres In Kazakhstan Have No Plans To Go Home |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-russian-emigres-ukraine-war/32234453.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=22 January 2023}}</ref>

In January 2023, Kazakhstan announced they were tightening visa rules, a move that is expected to make it more difficult for Russians to remain in the country.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ebel |first=Francesca |date=January 17, 2023 |title=Kazakhstan tightens visa rules, setting limits for Russians fleeing war duty |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/17/kazakhstan-visas-russia-war-ukraine/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301112336/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/17/kazakhstan-visas-russia-war-ukraine/ |archive-date=1 March 2023 |access-date=2023-07-26 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Auyezov |first=Olzhas |date=2023-01-17 |title=Kazakhstan ends unlimited stay for Russians |language=en |work=Reuters |editor-last=Singleton |editor-first=Sharon |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kazakhstan-ends-unlimited-stay-russians-2023-01-17/ |url-status=live |access-date=2023-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120065536/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kazakhstan-ends-unlimited-stay-russians-2023-01-17/ |archive-date=20 January 2023}}</ref> Kazakhstan said it would extradite Russians wanted for evading mobilization.<ref>{{cite news |last=Najibullah |first=Farangis |date=22 January 2023 |title=Living In Fear Of The Draft, Russian Emigres In Kazakhstan Have No Plans To Go Home |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-russian-emigres-ukraine-war/32234453.html}}</ref>

===Kyrgyzstan===
In 2023, Kyrgyzstan agreed to share the personal data of exiled anti-war Russians with the Russian government. In June 2023, Kyrgyzstan deported Russian anti-war activist Alexei Rozhkov to Russia.<ref name="Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan"/>

In June 2023, the government of [[Kyrgyzstan]] canceled the concert by the Russian rock band [[Pornofilmy]] in [[Bishkek]]. The band vocally opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine and went into exile in Georgia. Kyrgyz authorities did not explain the decision, but the real reason may be that [[Post-Soviet states|post-Soviet]] Kyrgyzstan is heavily dependent on Russia and under the influence of the Russian government.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian Singers -- Whether For Or Against The War In Ukraine -- Unwelcome In Central Asia |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-russian-singers-unwelcome-ukraine-war-kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan/32472909.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=23 June 2023}}</ref>


===Russia===
===Russia===
On 16 March, President [[Vladimir Putin]] issued a warning to Russian "traitors", claiming that the West "wanted to use them as a [[fifth column]]" and that Russians would always be able to "distinguish the true patriots from the scum and the traitors".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-warns-russia-against-pro-western-traitors-scum-2022-03-16/|title=Putin warns Russia against pro-Western 'traitors' and scum|website=Reuters|date=16 March 2022|access-date=2022-04-16 |archive-date=2022-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324034118/https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-warns-russia-against-pro-western-traitors-scum-2022-03-16/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kolotilov |first1=Vasiliy |last2=King |first2=Laura King |date=April 1, 2022 |title=Fleeing Putin's Russia: Exiles search for new identity, but find new problems |url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-04-01/russia-putin-exiles-new-problems-find-new-problems |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220402071057/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-04-01/russia-putin-exiles-new-problems-find-new-problems |archive-date=2022-04-02 |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=Los Angeles Times }}</ref> While some experts said Putin's ire was directed toward what he perceived to be wavering loyalty among Russian elites, and in particular, [[Russian oligarchs]], statements from [[Kremlin]] officials have also broadly labeled those who fled as "traitors", as spokesman [[Dmitry Peskov]] affirmed the following day to ''[[Reuters]]'':<blockquote>"In such difficult times…Many people show their true colors…They vanish from our lives themselves. Some people are leaving their posts. Some are leaving their active work life. Some leave the country and move to other countries. That is how this cleansing happens."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kremlin-many-people-russia-are-showing-themselves-be-traitors-2022-03-17/|title=Kremlin: many people in Russia are behaving like traitors|date=March 17, 2022|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=2022-04-11 |archive-date=2022-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406161039/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kremlin-many-people-russia-are-showing-themselves-be-traitors-2022-03-17/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Alexander |date=March 17, 2022 |title='Scum and traitors': Under pressure over Ukraine, Putin turns his ire on Russians |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/scum-traitors-pressure-ukraine-putin-turns-ire-russians-rcna20410 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220317183728/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/scum-traitors-pressure-ukraine-putin-turns-ire-russians-rcna20410 |archive-date=2022-03-17 |access-date=April 6, 2022 |website=www.nbcnews.com }}</ref></blockquote>
On 16 March, President [[Vladimir Putin]] issued a warning to Russian "traitors", claiming that the West "wanted to use them as a [[fifth column]]" and that Russians would always be able to "distinguish the true patriots from the scum and the traitors".<ref>{{cite web |date=16 March 2022 |editor-last=Trevelyan |editor-first=Mark |editor2-last=Hudson |editor2-first=Alexandra |title=Putin warns Russia against pro-Western 'traitors' and scum |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-warns-russia-against-pro-western-traitors-scum-2022-03-16/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324034118/https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-warns-russia-against-pro-western-traitors-scum-2022-03-16/ |archive-date=2022-03-24 |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kolotilov |first1=Vasiliy |last2=King |first2=Laura King |date=April 1, 2022 |title=Fleeing Putin's Russia: Exiles search for new identity, but find new problems |url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-04-01/russia-putin-exiles-new-problems-find-new-problems |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220402071057/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-04-01/russia-putin-exiles-new-problems-find-new-problems |archive-date=2022-04-02 |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=Los Angeles Times }}</ref> While some experts said Putin's ire was directed toward what he perceived to be wavering loyalty among Russian elites, and in particular, [[Russian oligarchs]], statements from [[Kremlin]] officials have also broadly labeled those who fled as "traitors", as spokesman [[Dmitry Peskov]] affirmed the following day to ''[[Reuters]]'':<blockquote>"In such difficult times…Many people show their true colors…They vanish from our lives themselves. Some people are leaving their posts. Some are leaving their active work life. Some leave the country and move to other countries. That is how this cleansing happens."<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 17, 2022 |title=Kremlin: many people in Russia are behaving like traitors |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kremlin-many-people-russia-are-showing-themselves-be-traitors-2022-03-17/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2022-04-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406161039/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kremlin-many-people-russia-are-showing-themselves-be-traitors-2022-03-17/ |archive-date=2022-04-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Alexander |date=March 17, 2022 |title='Scum and traitors': Under pressure over Ukraine, Putin turns his ire on Russians |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/scum-traitors-pressure-ukraine-putin-turns-ire-russians-rcna20410 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220317183728/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/scum-traitors-pressure-ukraine-putin-turns-ire-russians-rcna20410 |archive-date=2022-03-17 |access-date=April 6, 2022 |website=NBC News}}</ref></blockquote>


On 4 November 2022, [[Dmitry Medvedev]], the deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council, called the Russians who fled Russia after the invasion "cowardly traitors" and said that Russia was "stronger and cleaner" without them.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia's Medvedev Rails Against 'Traitors' Who Fled Country |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/russia-s-medvedev-rails-against-traitors-who-fled-country-01667551207 |work=[[Barron's (newspaper)|Barron's]] |date=4 November 2022}}</ref> On 28 December 2022, he said that Russians who fled Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and are [[2022 anti-war protests in Russia|opposed to the war]] should be labeled "[[Enemy of the people|enemies of society]]" and barred from returning to Russia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Medvedev Calls for Recent Russian Emigres to Be Banned From Returning |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/12/28/medvedev-calls-for-recent-russian-emigres-to-be-banned-from-returning-a79824 |work=[[The Moscow Times]] |date=28 December 2022}}</ref> Medvedev called for the use of [[death squad]]s against politically active Russian exiles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Soldatov |first1=Andrei |title=How the Kremlin Is Taking Aim at its Russian Critics in Exile |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/01/16/how-the-kremlin-is-taking-aim-at-its-russian-critics-in-exile-a79958 |work=The Moscow Times |date=16 January 2023}}</ref>
On 4 November 2022, [[Dmitry Medvedev]], the deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council, called the Russians who fled Russia after the invasion "cowardly traitors" and said that Russia was "stronger and cleaner" without them.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia's Medvedev Rails Against 'Traitors' Who Fled Country |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/russia-s-medvedev-rails-against-traitors-who-fled-country-01667551207 |work=[[Barron's (newspaper)|Barron's]] |date=4 November 2022}}</ref> On 28 December 2022, he said that Russians who fled Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and are [[2022 anti-war protests in Russia|opposed to the war]] should be labeled "[[Enemy of the people|enemies of society]]" and barred from returning to Russia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Medvedev Calls for Recent Russian Emigres to Be Banned From Returning |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/12/28/medvedev-calls-for-recent-russian-emigres-to-be-banned-from-returning-a79824 |work=[[The Moscow Times]] |date=28 December 2022}}</ref> Medvedev called for the use of [[death squad]]s against politically active Russian exiles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Soldatov |first1=Andrei |title=How the Kremlin Is Taking Aim at its Russian Critics in Exile |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/01/16/how-the-kremlin-is-taking-aim-at-its-russian-critics-in-exile-a79958 |work=The Moscow Times |date=16 January 2023}}</ref>
Line 92: Line 116:


===Ukraine===
===Ukraine===
On 23 March, Ukrainian president [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] called on Russians to emigrate from Russia so as not to finance the war in Ukraine with their taxes.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 March 2022 |title=Zelenskyy told Russian people to leave Russia if they could to deprive Putin of tax money for the war |work=Business Insider |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/zelenskyy-russians-who-can-leave-should-stop-giving-taxes-war-2022-3}}</ref> However, by August, he had called on Western countries to ban all Russian citizens from entering, including those opposed to the war, stating that Russians should "live in their own world until they change their philosophy".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/08/ukraine-zelensky-interview-ban-russian-travelers/|title=Zelensky calls on West to ban all Russian travelers|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=8 August 2022}}</ref>
On 23 March, Ukrainian president [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] called on Russians to emigrate from Russia so as not to finance the war in Ukraine with their taxes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Sinéad |date=24 March 2022 |title=Zelenskyy told Russian people to leave Russia if they could to deprive Putin of tax money for the war |work=Business Insider |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/zelenskyy-russians-who-can-leave-should-stop-giving-taxes-war-2022-3}}</ref> However, by August, he had called on Western countries to ban all Russian citizens from entering, including those opposed to the war, stating that Russians should "live in their own world until they change their philosophy".<ref>{{cite news |last=Khurshudyan |first=Isabelle |date=8 August 2022 |title=Zelensky calls on West to ban all Russian travelers |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/08/ukraine-zelensky-interview-ban-russian-travelers/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220085312/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/08/ukraine-zelensky-interview-ban-russian-travelers/ |archive-date=20 February 2023}}</ref>


===United States===
===United States===
While the United States has received Russian applications for asylum since the start of the invasion, it has warned against the increased trend of unauthorized entry: in one example, a maritime incursion by Russian nationals on a charter boat in [[Key West, Florida]] was initially characterized by the [[Department of Homeland Security]] as a "national security event", with the intercepted migrants subsequently scheduled to be deported.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Craig |first1=Tim |last2=Sacchetti |first2=Maria |date=4 April 2022 |title=Migrants from Russia are smuggled into Key West by boat, officials say |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/04/04/russian-migrants-florida-keys/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=19 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405073458/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/04/04/russian-migrants-florida-keys/ |archive-date=2022-04-05}}</ref>

On 27 September 2022, White House press secretary [[Karine Jean-Pierre]] encouraged Russian men fleeing their home country to avoid being drafted to apply for [[asylum in the United States]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holland |first1=Steve |last2=Bose |first2=Nandita |date=27 September 2022 |title=White House: U.S. welcomes Russians seeking asylum |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/white-house-us-welcomes-russians-seeking-asylum-2022-09-27/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214023812/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/white-house-us-welcomes-russians-seeking-asylum-2022-09-27/ |archive-date=14 February 2023}}</ref>

In early 2023, the [[Presidency of Joe Biden|Biden administration]] resumed deportations of Russians who had fled Russia due to mobilization and political persecution. Texas-based attorney Jennifer Scarborough said that "In March of 2022, the US said they were stopping deportations to Russia because of the political situation – so I don’t understand why they restarted it and they did it so quietly."<ref>{{cite news |title=Biden administration quietly resumes deportations to Russia |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/18/biden-administration-russia-deportations |work=The Guardian |date=18 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The White House told Russians to flee here instead of fighting Ukraine. Then the U.S. tried to deport them |url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2023-08-17/russian-conscripts-asylum-biden-putin |work=Los Angeles Times |date=August 17, 2023}}</ref>


===Thailand===
While the United States has received Russian applications for asylum since the start of the invasion, it has warned against the increased trend of unauthorized entry: in one example, a maritime incursion by Russian nationals on a charter boat in [[Key West, Florida]] was initially characterized by the [[Department of Homeland Security]] as a "national security event", with the intercepted migrants subsequently scheduled to be deported.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Craig |first1=Tim |last2=Sacchetti |first2=Maria |title=Migrants from Russia are smuggled into Key West by boat, officials say |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/04/04/russian-migrants-florida-keys/ |access-date=19 April 2022 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=4 April 2022 |archive-date=2022-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405073458/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/04/04/russian-migrants-florida-keys/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In January 2024, members of the self-exiled Russian rock band [[Bi-2]], who fled Russia after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and publicly denounced the war and Putin's regime, were arrested in [[Thailand]] for allegedly violating immigration regulations and faced possible deportation to Russia because five of its members have Russian citizenship.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-28 |title=Warning to Exiled Putin Critics as Rockers Face Deportation Home |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-28/warning-to-exiled-putin-critics-as-rockers-face-deportation-home |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bennetts |first=Marc |date=2024-01-29 |title=Anti-war rock group at risk of deportation to Russia |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/bi-2-anti-war-rock-group-deportation-russia-qcxzgg2sh |work=The Times |language=en |issn=0140-0460}}</ref>


===Vietnam===
On 27 September 2022, White House press secretary [[Karine Jean-Pierre]] encouraged Russian men fleeing their home country to avoid being drafted to apply for [[asylum in the United States]].<ref>{{cite news |title=White House: U.S. welcomes Russians seeking asylum |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/white-house-us-welcomes-russians-seeking-asylum-2022-09-27/ |work=Reuters |date=27 September 2022}}</ref>
At the request of the Kremlin, [[Vietnam]] deported several Russian citizens living in Vietnam because they criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |title=VOA News Special Reports: Vietnam Complies With The Kremlin Request To Forcefully Repatriate Russian War Critics |url=https://www.thevietnamese.org/2023/04/u-s-and-vietnam-seek-to-boost-ties-during-bliken-visit-hanoi-complies-with-kremlin-request-to-repatriate-antiwar-critics/ |work=The Vietnamese Magazine |date=17 April 2023}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 109: Line 140:
* {{annotated link|War resister}}
* {{annotated link|War resister}}
* {{annotated link|White émigré}}
* {{annotated link|White émigré}}
* [[White-blue-white flag]] - flag used by Russian nationals, especially those living abroad, who oppose the war
* [[White-blue-white flag]] flag used by Russian nationals, especially those living abroad, who oppose the war
* [[Fourth-wave Russian emigration]]
* {{annotated link|Fourth-wave Russian emigration}}
* [[List of Soviet and Eastern Bloc defectors]]
* {{annotated link|List of Soviet and Eastern Bloc defectors}}
* {{annotated link|Aging of Russia}}


==References==
==References==
Line 127: Line 159:
[[Category:Russian refugees]]
[[Category:Russian refugees]]
[[Category:Politically motivated migrations]]
[[Category:Politically motivated migrations]]
[[Category:Reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
[[Category:Russian opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
[[Category:2022 in Russia]]
[[Category:2022 in Russia]]
[[Category:Opposition to Vladimir Putin]]
[[Category:Opposition to Vladimir Putin]]

Revision as of 19:24, 28 April 2024

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started in late February 2022, more than 300,000 Russian citizens and residents are estimated to have left Russia by mid-March 2022, at least 500,000 by the end of August 2022,[not verified in body] and an additional 400,000[1] by early October, for a total of approximately 900,000. This number includes economic migrants, conscientious objectors, and some political refugees.[2][3][4][5][6]

Reasons for exodus

Protest of Russians living in the Czech Republic against the war in Ukraine. People fleeing Russia are mostly young and educated.[7] Protesters in the photo are flying the White-blue-white flag.

There have been at least three waves of Russian emigration.[8]

First wave

In the first wave, immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, journalists, politicians, and tech workers fled. Many sought to evade criminal prosecution for exercising free speech regarding the invasion. In March, President Vladimir Putin introduced prison sentences of up to 15 years for publishing "fake news" about Russian military operations.[9] More than 2,000 people were charged by May 2022 under the laws prohibiting "fake" information about the military.[10] Nina Belyayeva, a Communist Party deputy in the Voronezh Oblast Legislative Assembly, stated that she fled Russia due to threats of criminal prosecution and imprisonment for having spoken against the invasion, saying, "I realized that it was better to leave now. Once a criminal case is opened, it could be too late."[11] Journalist Boris Grozovski stated that "We are refugees. Personally, I was wanted by the police in Russia for distributing anti-war petitions... We ran not from bullets, bombs and missiles, but from prison. If I wrote what I write now while in Russia, I would inevitably go to prison for 15–20 years."[12] Actress Chulpan Khamatova stayed in exile in Latvia after she signed a petition against the war in Ukraine. She stated: "it was made clear to me it would be undesirable for me to go back," adding "I know I am not a traitor. I love my motherland very much."[13] Bolshoi Ballet dancer Olga Smirnova left Russia to continue her career in the Netherlands in protest of the war.[14] As for tech workers, for many it was made clear that they would have to leave Russia as a condition of employment; in any case, many tech workers can work remotely. According to a Russian IT industry trade group, approximately 50,000-70,000 IT workers fled in the invasion's first month.[8]

Among the Russians who left Russia after the invasion of Ukraine were pop legend Alla Pugacheva and comedian Maxim Galkin,[15] television journalist Alexander Nevzorov, diplomat Boris Bondarev, politician and economist Anatoly Chubais, businessman Oleg Tinkov, rapper Oxxxymiron,[16] activist Diana Isakova,[17] theater director Dmitry Krymov,[18] political activist Maxim Katz,[19] former paratrooper Pavel Filatyev,[20] political activist Lev Ponomaryov,[21] the rave band Little Big,[22] anti-war activist Grigory Sverdlin,[23] and journalist Yury Dud.[24]

As of December 2022, more than 4,000 people were prosecuted under "fake news" laws in connection with the war in Ukraine.[25] Russian journalist Maria Ponomarenko was sentenced to six years in prison for publishing information about the Mariupol theatre airstrike.[26] At least 1,000 Russian journalists have fled Russia since February 2022.[27]

Second wave

A second wave became apparent by July 2022, and this wave consisted more generally of middle and upper class people and parents who had required longer to prepare to emigrate, for example; people with businesses or people who had to wait for their children's school year to end.[8]

In June, it was expected that around 15,000 millionaires would leave Russia in 2022.[28][needs update]

Third wave

Russian emigrants in Berlin, Germany, 25 February 2024

Following Putin's announcement of partial mobilization on 21 September 2022, a third wave of Russian emigration began,[29] with estimates of hundreds of thousands of male citizens fleeing.[30] In the first week after the announcement, 98,000 Russians fled to Kazakhstan.[31] On 24 September alone over 8,500 Russians entered Finland by land, a 62% increase on the previous Saturday.[32] On the following day, it was reported that "On the border with Georgia, queues of Russian cars stretch back more than 30 kilometres (19 mi),"[33] while at checkpoints bordering the regions of Kostanay and Western Kazakhstan, "footage of cars queuing to leave Russia show lines that stretch as far as the eye can see."[34]

In this third wave alone, nearly 300,000 Russian citizens had left Russia before 27 September,[35] with that number approaching 400,000 by 4 October.[1][36] An upper estimate is for 700,000 Russians to have fled conscription since it was announced.[37] Many went to Kazakhstan, Serbia,[38] Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, and Finland.[39]

Putin signed a decree introducing prison terms of up to 15 years for wartime acts, including voluntary surrender and desertion during mobilization or war.[40][41]

Actor Artur Smolyaninov fled Russia in October 2022.[42] He was charged for "discrediting" the military under the "fake news" laws, for making anti-war statements after he had left Russia.[43]

Destinations

Among the destinations chosen by Russian nationals are Turkey, with more than 100,000 Russians seeking residence,[44] many using Turkish Airlines to fly to Antalya.[45] Georgia and Armenia also received large numbers.[46][47][48][49] By early April, an estimated 100,000 Russians had fled to Georgia and 50,000[50] went to Armenia.[51] In 2022, 104,000 Russian citizens have registered their stay in Serbia.[52]

In Latin America, Argentina received by January 2023 more than 5,000 pregnant Russian women,[53] who chose to have their children there, due to the ease of obtaining visa, the automatic obtaining of nationality for the newborn and free healthcare.[54] In 2023, 37,700 Russians entered Argentina and 13,000 within the first three months of 2024; with 3,750 of them gaining residence.[55]

Other major destinations include Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania,[56] Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Spain, Israel, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Latin American countries, the Baltic states, Canada and the United States.[57][6]

As the majority of European countries closed their airspace to Russian flights following the invasion, Russians seeking to leave the country have often had to take detours through the Caucasus or have had to find overland routes. On 25 March 2022, the high-speed railway between Saint Petersburg and Helsinki was suspended by Finnish state railway operator VR, closing the last direct train route between Russia and the European Union.[58] The route had previously been a significant passage out of Russia for Russian citizens, particularly those who already had work or residence connections to Finland and the rest of Europe, as a valid visa and EU-recognised COVID-19 vaccine certification was required by the Russian government for passengers.[59][60]

Russian emigrants outside the Russian embassy in Yerevan, Armenia as part of the "Noon Against Putin" protest, 17 March 2024

Several EU countries, such as Latvia and the Czech Republic, have suspended granting visas to Russian citizens, complicating their exit from Russia.[61] Some countries have allowed temporary stays without a visa. Turkey, for example, has allowed Russian citizens without visas to stay for up to two months.[49] However, Finland, Poland and the Baltic countries of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia announced they will not offer refuge to Russians fleeing mobilization.[35] In contrast, Germany offered asylum to Russian oppositionists and conscripts who did not want to go to war with Ukraine.[62]

Two Russian nationals claimed asylum in the United States after sailing in a small boat to Alaska.[63]

At least five yachts carrying Russian nationals have attempted to enter a number of South Korean ports, but only two Russian passengers were allowed entry.[64][65]

Most hotel rooms and Airbnbs in Kazakhstan were sold out to Russian immigrants within days.[66]

In contrast to the official exit polls and results of the 2024 Russian presidential election both inside and outside of Russia, unofficial exit polls of the votes cast abroad showed a much poorer performance for Vladimir Putin. According to the Vote Abroad project, Putin won 3% in Serbia, 5% in Istanbul, Turkey, 6% in Argentina, 8% in Yerevan, Armenia, 9% in Kazakhstan, 10% in Thailand, 15% in Vietnam and 16% in Tel Aviv, Israel.[67]

Difficulties faced by emigrants

Amnesty International noted that many Russian political emigrants, who entered the European Union on Schengen visas, become illegal immigrants after 90 days because they do not want to submit applications for asylum due to the impossibility of continuing their activities as journalists, human rights activists, etc. in such a case. In addition, many Russian oppositionists and representatives of civil society, who are in Russia or who had migrated to other non-safe countries from Russia (for example, to CIS-countries), do not have Schengen visas and have difficulties in obtaining them. In this regard, on 25 May 2022, Amnesty International encouraged the Cabinet of Germany to expand the programme of humanitarian admission (German: humanitäre Aufnahmeprogramme) on Russians persecuted by Putin's regime. This programme should include humanitarian visas issuance and granting of temporary residence and work permits.[68] According to the EU directive from 2022, member states should not accept visa applications from Russians in a third country.[69]

Impact

Those who have fled tend to be young and well-educated professionals, leading some economists to suggest that the Russian brain drain is worsening.[70] More than 50,000 Russian information technology specialists have left Russia.[71]

Reactions

Georgia

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, approximately 200,000 Russian citizens entered Georgia from Russia, of which 60,000 had remained in the country while others had crossed into Turkey and Armenia. The peak of migration came at the period of mobilization in Russia.[72]

The migration has reportedly helped the Georgian economy to grow faster and the Georgian lari to steadily get stronger.[73] However, the arrival of Russians has also reportedly made real estate prices skyrocket in Tbilisi; in November 2022, average real estate prices were 210% higher than 1 year prior. An important factor in this is that Russian migrants, often wealthy, are ready to pay much higher sums than Georgians for apartments. This has rendered rent unaffordable for some Georgian locals, exacerbating pre-existing tensions between Russians and Georgians[74][75] caused by the recent Russo-Georgian War and the fact that 20% of Georgian territory is occupied by Russia.[76][77]

Other causes of tension are cases of Russian migrants behaving aggressively, demanding to be served in Russian, to be allowed to pay in Russian rubles.[78] Screenshots of alleged Russian users (from a large Telegram group of people crossing the Russo-Georgian border) complaining they were not allowed entry into Georgia because of Z signs on their cars went viral on the Georgian and Ukrainian internet.[78]

In October 2022, small-scale protests were held demanding the introduction of a visa regime with Russia, with the ruling Georgian Dream party dismissing such a step as "irrational".[79]

The FSB has sent agents to infiltrate Georgia amidst the immigration wave. Once exposed, the news "barely makes a ripple" in Georgia's media.[80]

Russian exiles in Georgia may be tried in absentia by courts in Russia for attending anti-war rallies. The activities of anti-war Russians abroad are monitored by Russia's Centre for Combating Extremism.[81] Some Russian exiles in Georgia supported the Georgian pro-democracy opposition and participated in the 2023 Georgian protests.[82]

According to a September–October 2023 opinion poll, 93% of Georgians are against allowing Russians to register a business or buy real estate in Georgia. More than 30,000 Russians left Georgia in 2023.[83]

Serbia

Russians can travel to Serbia without a visa. Due to the historical and cultural proximity of Serbia and Russia, Russian emigrants are generally welcome in Serbia, but there have been clashes between pro-Putin Serbian nationalists and anti-war Russian migrants. According to data from the Serbian Ministry of Interior from early 2023, more than 200,000 Russians had traveled to Serbia since February 2022.[84][85]

Israel

Despite expecting mostly Jewish refugees from Ukraine, Israel has seen more arrivals from Russia.[86] While Israel relaxed the "Law of Return" for Ukrainian emigrants, it did not extend that measure to Russian emigrants, who have instead obtained tourist visas while starting the citizenship application process.[87]

Kazakhstan

In September 2022, Kazakhstani president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev claimed that Kazakhstan would help fleeing Russians, saying that "most of them are forced to leave because of the current hopeless situation."[88]

In 2022, Kazakhstan agreed to share the personal data of exiled anti-war Russians with the Russian government. In September 2022, Kazakh authorities detained a Russian journalist wanted in Russia on charges of "discrediting" the Russian military.[89]

In December 2022, Kazakhstan deported a Russian citizen, a former presidential guard, who fled mobilization;[90] Kazakhstan denied his asylum claim in late November while human rights activists have said that the country's law on refugees allows him to stay in Kazakhstan while his lawyers appeal.[91]

In January 2023, Kazakhstan announced they were tightening visa rules, a move that is expected to make it more difficult for Russians to remain in the country.[92][93] Kazakhstan said it would extradite Russians wanted for evading mobilization.[94]

Kyrgyzstan

In 2023, Kyrgyzstan agreed to share the personal data of exiled anti-war Russians with the Russian government. In June 2023, Kyrgyzstan deported Russian anti-war activist Alexei Rozhkov to Russia.[89]

In June 2023, the government of Kyrgyzstan canceled the concert by the Russian rock band Pornofilmy in Bishkek. The band vocally opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine and went into exile in Georgia. Kyrgyz authorities did not explain the decision, but the real reason may be that post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan is heavily dependent on Russia and under the influence of the Russian government.[95]

Russia

On 16 March, President Vladimir Putin issued a warning to Russian "traitors", claiming that the West "wanted to use them as a fifth column" and that Russians would always be able to "distinguish the true patriots from the scum and the traitors".[96][97] While some experts said Putin's ire was directed toward what he perceived to be wavering loyalty among Russian elites, and in particular, Russian oligarchs, statements from Kremlin officials have also broadly labeled those who fled as "traitors", as spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirmed the following day to Reuters:

"In such difficult times…Many people show their true colors…They vanish from our lives themselves. Some people are leaving their posts. Some are leaving their active work life. Some leave the country and move to other countries. That is how this cleansing happens."[98][99]

On 4 November 2022, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council, called the Russians who fled Russia after the invasion "cowardly traitors" and said that Russia was "stronger and cleaner" without them.[100] On 28 December 2022, he said that Russians who fled Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and are opposed to the war should be labeled "enemies of society" and barred from returning to Russia.[101] Medvedev called for the use of death squads against politically active Russian exiles.[102]

In January 2023, Russian lawmaker Yevgeny Popov proposed canceling the passports of Russians who fled abroad after Russia invaded Ukraine. Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the State Duma, called the anti-war Russians in exile "scoundrels" and wanted the confiscation of their properties in Russia.[103]

Ukraine

On 23 March, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Russians to emigrate from Russia so as not to finance the war in Ukraine with their taxes.[104] However, by August, he had called on Western countries to ban all Russian citizens from entering, including those opposed to the war, stating that Russians should "live in their own world until they change their philosophy".[105]

United States

While the United States has received Russian applications for asylum since the start of the invasion, it has warned against the increased trend of unauthorized entry: in one example, a maritime incursion by Russian nationals on a charter boat in Key West, Florida was initially characterized by the Department of Homeland Security as a "national security event", with the intercepted migrants subsequently scheduled to be deported.[106]

On 27 September 2022, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre encouraged Russian men fleeing their home country to avoid being drafted to apply for asylum in the United States.[107]

In early 2023, the Biden administration resumed deportations of Russians who had fled Russia due to mobilization and political persecution. Texas-based attorney Jennifer Scarborough said that "In March of 2022, the US said they were stopping deportations to Russia because of the political situation – so I don’t understand why they restarted it and they did it so quietly."[108][109]

Thailand

In January 2024, members of the self-exiled Russian rock band Bi-2, who fled Russia after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and publicly denounced the war and Putin's regime, were arrested in Thailand for allegedly violating immigration regulations and faced possible deportation to Russia because five of its members have Russian citizenship.[110][111]

Vietnam

At the request of the Kremlin, Vietnam deported several Russian citizens living in Vietnam because they criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine.[112]

See also

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