INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Hundreds of thousands of Russians got away the country after Moscow released its major intrusion of Ukraine in February 2022 escaping
mobilization, political pressure, or simply looking for a more stable life abroad
Some have actually given that made the hard and often questionable decision to return.Through in-depth conversations with these returnees,
The Moscow Times explores their complicated journeys the seriousness of their departures, the struggles of exile and the bittersweet truth
of coming home to an altered Russia.Their stories reveal the personal cost of war, the weight of leaving everything behind and the uneasy
sensation of returning to a nation that both is and isnt the same as the one they left.Alexei, 29, left Moscow in September 2022, returned
in June 2023When mobilization was announced in the fall of 2022, I left to Turkey in a panic
At that minute, I didnt care where I just required to escape being sent to Ukraine
Turkey seemed like the best choice: close, fairly simple documentation, a warm climate and a Russian-speaking community
However things didnt go as planned.In Istanbul, I rented a house in Avcilar
The property owner took 3 months lease in advance but didnt formally register the agreement, saying it would be simpler
That was my first mistake
When I applied for a house license, I learnt my district was no longer qualified
Rental costs had actually increased, and property managers were hesitant to lease to Russians without guarantees
I ultimately found another house and submitted my files, however mass rejections of Russian candidates had actually begun
No one comprehended the logic some were approved, others werent
Lots of hypothesized it was political pressure or a move by the Turkish government to curb migration.When my application was rejected, I had
three choices: stay unlawfully and risk fines and deportation, attempt another country, or return to Russia
I was drained pipes economically and mentally
Another move wasnt an option
So, I scheduled a flight through Armenia and went back.Landing in Moscow, I recognized Id lost half a year and a small fortune, just to end
On the surface, life seemed typical people pretended nothing had actually altered
I knew it was an impression
I started sending resumes to foreign companies, wanting to leave again.My greatest lesson? Emigration isnt just about buying a ticket and
renting an apartment or condo
Without a clear method, backup strategy, and legal understanding, you can end up with nothing
However something is specific I wont stop trying to find my location outside Russia
I do not want to reside in a military dictatorship
For me, February 24 has been going on for 3 years and I refuse to be complicit.Anna, 41, left St
Petersburg in March 2022, returned in July 2024Before the war, my family had been working on getting Israeli passports through my Jewish
We had tickets for March 1, 2022, preparing a short trip to settle the documentation
However then February 24 happened
We left and never ever came back.It was one of the hardest times in my life
I owned a little cafe in St
Petersburg something you cant run from another location
My partner had an easier time; he worked for an American pharmaceutical company and managed to relocate
Without his salary, we wouldnt have lasted in Israel
Our cost savings wouldve gone out in months.Our children, 7 and 11 at the time, struggled the most
The younger one had just begun school, the older one was in that delicate stage in between childhood and adolescence
They thought we were going on vacation
Yes, we discussed the war and Putin, but no kid can totally process something like this.ars wait in line on the roadway for the Verkhny Lars
checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border in September 2022
Valery Sharifulin/ TASSWe settled in Jerusalem
The federal government spent for two weeks in hotel quarantine due to Covid
The kids were going stir-crazy
We rented a house without seeing it initially, however thankfully, it matched the photos
My hubby worked from another location, the kids started school and I ultimately discovered a job as a supermarket manager.Then October 7
We constantly knew Israel was unsteady there had been terrorist attacks and shellings but we never expected something like this
We were shocked that Israeli intelligence failed so catastrophically
We had actually relied on the Iron Dome, the army, the security system
Suddenly, we were going to air-raid shelter several times a day
We adapted, the kids adjusted, but it was hard.After 2 and a half years, my hubby lost his task
He searched for another, but couldnt
My grocery store wage wasnt enough for a household of 4
The idea of returning had already crossed our minds particularly after the war with Hamas began
We still had our apartment or condo in St
Petersburg, our car, our pals
My coffee bar was still running, managed by my good friend
When my other half lastly got a job deal in Russia, we decided to go back.Our older child was overjoyed
She had never ever adapted to Israel
But returning felt surreal
On the drive home from the airport, we saw military recruitment signboards every 200 meters
And the environment possibly Im picturing it, but I feel worry in the air.I advise myself: Living in Russia does not make me a criminal
But I stay up to date with the news, and I understand whats happening in Ukraine needs to never have occurred
My other half and I have excellent tasks now
Our children go to an independent school we hope to protect them from propaganda
Weve cut ties with all the Z-patriots we when knew
We reside in a bubble.But nothing will ever be the same
And the thought of leaving again never truly goes away.Sergei, 40, left Nizhny Novgorod in October 2022, returned in November 2024I first
thought about leaving in early 2022, but my partner and I had no cost savings or passports
By the time we got our documents, the preliminary panic had actually decreased
When mobilization was revealed, the worry hit again
Friends were leaving some in a rush, others with detailed strategies
By the time my 5th pal left, I knew we had to go too.We transferred to Turkey in October 2022 with 2 suitcases
It rapidly became clear that remaining wasnt an option
Like the majority of Russians, I was denied a residence permit
No explanations, no clear requirements just rejection
Some stated it was political, others blamed the real estate crisis
In any case, we needed to leave.Kirill Kukhmar/ TASSNext, we tried Armenia
No visa required, comparable culture, lots of Russian expats
In the beginning, it seemed best
We found an apartment in Yerevan, made buddies and even began finding out Armenian
But within a year, it ended up being clear we couldnt stay
Costs had skyrocketed, Russian bank cards quit working and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict made whatever unpredictable
Our cost savings were going out, and my other half, who never ever completely adapted, wanted to go home.At first, returning seemed like a
The more I believed about it, the more I realized it was just another step
I wasnt conscription age, had actually never served, had no military specialty my danger of being prepared was low
And life abroad was becoming impossible.Back in Nizhny Novgorod, things were eerily familiar
People worked, went to bars, and pretended nothing had altered
There were more Z signs and military billboards, but otherwise, daily life continued
I had mixed feelings whatever was easier, yet the war was still there, in the background.The hardest part was telling good friends who
Some comprehended, others saw it as a betrayal
Ive made peace with my choice
I want to outlive Putins regime
I wish to be here when it collapses and assist rebuild.For now, I work, save money and keep my choices open
The future is uncertain all over
A minimum of here, I know the guidelines of the game.
