Support The Moscow Times!
Contribute today

The New Diaspora

emigre population

Russian Migration Shakes Up Armenian Economy, Society

YEREVAN, Armenia — Igor landed at Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport from Moscow on Tuesday, looking bewildered after his knee-jerk decision to flee...
dodging the draft

Russians Evade Conscription in Istanbul as Mobilization Rumors Become Reality

ISTANBUL — Alexander, 23, remembers panic-buying a ticket from St. Petersburg to this Turkish metropolis shortly after Russia launched its invasion...
tension in tbilisi

‘We Don’t Want To Serve Occupiers’: Backlash in Georgia Against Russian Emigres

Some Georgian businesses require Russian customers to state they don’t support the invasion of Ukraine. 
denied entry

Rising Numbers of Russians Barred From Georgia, Activists Say

“I would not advise other activists to move to Georgia," said one Russian recently not allowed into the South Caucasus country.
'security threat'

Poland, Baltics Agree EU Visa Ban Plan for Russians – Statement

The restrictions will enter into force on Sept. 19.
close ties

From Yandex to RT: Russia Expands Presence in Serbia Amid Ukraine War

The Kremlin is looking to use its Balkan ally to evade sanctions and “gaslight” the West, analysts say.
travel restrictions

EU Ministers Agree to Suspend Russian Visa Facilitation Deal

EU foreign ministers agreed to suspend a 2007 visa facilitation deal with Russia but stopped short of a wider ban.
silencing dissent

Exile, Fines or Jail: Censorship Laws Take Heavy Toll on Anti-War Russians

“It’s dangerous to express your opinion," said Alexei Argunov, who was fined last month for posting an emoji on social media.
navigating the maze

NGO Helps Women Fleeing Ukraine War, Political Repression

A global team of volunteers coordinated by a leading Russian expert is supporting women facing gender-based violence abroad.
exiles under watch

Spy’s Confession Sheds Light on Russian Espionage in Georgia

The 20-year-old informant for Russia’s security services was sent to Tbilisi to report on the many exiles here. Now, he says, he’s come clean.
new home

Fleeing War and Discrimination, LGBT Russians Find Refuge in South Caucasus

Armenia and Georgia are socially conservative societies and LGBT people face legal and social obstacles as well as occasional violence.
fleeing prosecution

Siberian Opposition Deputy Flees Criminal 'War Fakes' Prosecution

Helga Pirogova told independent media that she is currently in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
New Neighbors

Georgians Grudgingly Accept Growing Russian Presence

Many Georgians are still fervently opposed to the country's sudden post-war influx of Russian expats.
Vital Help

Far From Home, Russian Exiles Help Ukrainian Refugees

"I couldn't face such injustice and do nothing," said Yevgeny Zhukov, who now helps Ukrainian refugees in the Georgian capital. 
turned away

Pussy Riot Member Barred From Georgia as Russian Activists Face Entry Problems

Despite Georgia being a destination for anti-war Russians, several activists and journalists have faced problems at its border.
far from home

Emigre Russians Find Refuge in Remote Kyrgyzstan

“Karakol is a ‘safe haven,’ cozy, albeit not the most modern,” said one emigre. “It’s also easier to breathe here.”
finding community

Following War, Russian Jews Congregate in Yerevan

Armenia’s small Jewish community has been bolstered by about 200 recent arrivals fleeing Russia because of the war in Ukraine.
'hemorrhaging millionaires'

Russia to Lose 15K Millionaires to Emigration in 2022 – Analysis

The Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine and ensuing Western sanctions have sparked a mass departure of wealthy Russians, research says.
going to extremes

Anti-War Russians Leverage Ancestry, Risk Arrest to Reach Europe

The number of asylum applications by Russian citizens in the EU more than doubled in March.
View more articles