New Wave of Emigration from Russia: "Everyone is in Danger"

MOSCOW — A growing number of people are leaving Russia. They fear a new military mobilization and see no future in the country, even if the war ends. Many are fleeing because they are afraid of being forced to fight.

The independent Russian news outlet Meduza asked its readers why they decided to leave. Meduza received so many messages that it believes a new wave of emigration is starting.

Fear of Mobilization

Ksenia, a Muscovite who works in healthcare, is afraid of being drafted. She and her husband are both in the reserve. "I just want to run away without looking back. Every day I am afraid, I cry, and I watch prices and the political situation change. I have only one thought: I hope we make it in time," she said.

Ksenia decided to leave after seeing an advertisement at a school. "I saw the children and heard the words they were saying, and my hair stood on end. I am terrified to live in a country where a generation is growing up with such ideas," she said. She and her husband are moving to Germany.

Stanislav, from the Kirov region, left for South Korea with only about one thousand euros. "The thought of mobilization fills me with horror and fear for my life. I do not want to become a murderer and a war criminal," he said. He also mentioned drone strikes, burning oil refineries, and internet restrictions as reasons for leaving.

"Everyone is in Danger"

Dmitri, from Moscow, first heard rumors about mobilization in May and June. He did not take them seriously until he talked to a lawyer at his workplace. "Everyone is in danger. For example, I have not served in the army and I am not registered with the military commissariat. I am over 30 years old, but I am still in danger," he said. His workplace has prepared instructions for how to prepare for a possible mobilization.

Aleksei, from St. Petersburg, left for Serbia at the end of August. He believes a new mobilization is more likely than before. "In the midst of Russia's endless horror, I do not feel that I can build a stable future for my family," he said.

Georgi, from the Moscow region, decided to leave when a new wave of mobilization seemed possible and drone strikes reached Moscow. He saw drones above his home and black smoke clouds from burning warehouses.

Anton, from Rostov, described how society has become more militarized. "Now I understand for the first time that even if the war ends tomorrow, nothing will return to normal," he wrote. He said that some of his acquaintances in Moscow now support a harsh confrontation and even more intense bombing of Ukraine. "Some are even seriously considering that Kyiv should have been hit with a nuclear bomb a long time ago," he said. Anton does not believe Russia will return to normal even after the war ends. Isolation, militarization, and people who have experienced war will change society for a long time.

Meduza notes that it cannot independently verify all of its readers' stories. The outlet also said it later removed some stories that were created with artificial intelligence.