Which countries are Russians fleeing to?
Although the exact number of new Russian immigrants is not yet known, according to some estimates according tountil March 12 20More than 0,000 people have left the country
Tens of thousands of Russians have fled the country in recent days. People who fear the consequences of Moscow’s war with Ukraine are turning to the former Soviet Union and Central Asia. One reason for this is that they have to face Western visa bans.
RFE / RL correspondent Firangiz Najibullah writes that those who left represent the middle class. They are the economic of war and political As a result, they fear that men could be sent to war in Ukraine.
Post-Soviet countries and…
Many Western countries Russia Thousands of international flights have been canceled due to a ban on companies. Thus, the choice of the Russians is not great.
“We bought a ticket in Tashkent, because it was possible to buy it immediately at a reasonable price.” – Her husband on March 3 and fled to Uzbekistan with his three children Marina speaks.
Russians travel to post-Soviet countries that do not require visas – Armenia, Georgia and They are heading to Kyrgyzstan.
The main choice is Turkey, which offers direct flights, visa-free regime. The Russian-speaking community is also large in this country. If they can afford it, they go to the United Arab Emirates.
Rapid decisions
Many of the new immigrants told RFE / RL that they had made such a “life-changing decision” for days, sometimes hours, and left the country.
In Russia, the closure of stores, the layoffs of companies, the emptying of store shelves have led to the idea that the situation will get worse, “it will not be better or easier,” says Marina.
In early March President Vladimir PutinRumors that the United States will declare martial law have increased panic. Military situation, military mobilization for men, closing borders, daily life and means various prohibitions on activity.
“We were afraid that the borders would be closed the next day. She according to and everything – our cars and We left our apartment and got on the plane. “ – Marina stressed.
Objection after the action…
Russia citizen Julia He fled to Kyrgyzstan.
“Even a toothbrush and we even forgot to take important things like soap. Because we were in a hurry, “ He said. Yulia is currently staying with her daughter at a hotel in Osh. They said that there were other Russians in Osh and that they were considering the next steps.
Jacob went to war snowHe left Russia after taking part in the protests. He is in thousands detained by police in Russia protestçıdan is one. 10 He was fined 1,000 rubles ($ 105).
Yakov He said he did not want to live under the current Russian government. “Laws have become stricter since the beginning of the war” – he says.
To the law adopted on March 4 according to, Russia Those who spread “false news” about the army face up to 15 years in prison.
Jacob himself political Thousands of ordinary Russians who are active but not interested in politics are also leaving Russia.
Fear of the Iron Curtain
After Russia launched an unreasonable war with Ukraine on February 24, new Western sanctions have led to travel bans and Western companies leaving Russia. credit caused the cards to close.