Russians flee as mobilization rumors spark new emigration wave

Meduza reports a new wave of Russians leaving the country, driven by rumors of another mobilization, economic crisis, internet restrictions, and Ukrainian drone attacks. Readers describe fleeing to destinations including Serbia, Georgia, Armenia, South Korea, and Paraguay, with many citing fear of being forced to fight in Ukraine.

Bottom line — The exodus could strain EU asylum systems and labor markets as thousands of Russians seek refuge in Europe and beyond.

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• According to Meduza, the reasons for leaving include the economic crisis, internet restrictions, Ukrainian drone attacks, and rumors of possible mobilization.
• One reader, Alexey, sold an inherited apartment and is moving to Paraguay with his wife, citing lower taxes and no internet restrictions.
• Ksenia, a medical professional in Moscow, told Meduza she is panicking and planning to move to Germany, as she and her partner are automatically liable for military service.
• Stanislav from the Kirov region sold his computer and left for South Korea with €1,000, planning to obtain refugee status.
• Dmitry from Moscow has a Plan B to move to Armenia if a master's program doesn't work out, then possibly apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain.
• Leonid, a reserve officer, moved to a Central Asian country with his business partner, while his family will join later.
• Georgy from Domodedovo decided to leave after drones attacked Moscow and Wildberries warehouses burned; he is now in Yerevan.
• Anton from Rostov-on-Don is gathering documents to move to Spain, saying he no longer believes Russia will return to normal even if the war ends.
• Meduza notes that some readers are heading to EU countries like Germany and Spain, while others choose visa-free destinations like Georgia and Armenia as first steps.

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