Russians who left after the 2022 mobilization describe life abroad and what they lost
On the fourth anniversary of Russia's 2022 mobilization, the exile outlet Meduza published selected reader letters from Russians who left the country. Most say they are content abroad, yet nearly all describe struggles to adapt or a longing for Russia.
Meduza, an independent Russian-language news outlet operating outside Russia, marked the fourth anniversary of Russia's 2022 mobilization, the wartime call-up of citizens into the army that prompted many to leave the country, by publishing letters from readers living abroad. The editors say they received many messages from around the world. Although many writers say they are happy with their new lives, almost every story involves difficulty adjusting or missing Russia. The newsroom also notes that it screened every letter for AI-generated text, but that even thorough checks cannot fully rule out manipulation.
Serbia and Spain
Nikolai, in Serbia, says he is happy overall and likes the country more each year. His friends are all Russian speakers. He spent his first three years with undiagnosed depression and says he constantly misses Russian nature and a sense of belonging. Dmitry, 39, moved to Serbia a couple of months after the war began with about 300 euros and spent his first six months living in a tent in parks. He still has no residence permit or employment contract, but he says he has recovered from alcohol dependence and depression and has never regretted leaving.
Anya, in Spain, values the relatively lenient immigration policy and the country's beauty, but after more than four years she has not adjusted to the pace of life or found like-minded friends. She works for a nonprofit that helps political prisoners and feels the contrast between her peaceful surroundings and the news of repression in Russia. She is considering moving to another country.
Israel, Vietnam, Kazakhstan
Max, in Israel, is happy overall. While going through repatriation, he waited two and a half years for a consular screening, which he spent in Kyrgyzstan; his grandmother died while he was abroad. Yevgenia, also in Israel, feels like a stranger there even though she now has a well-paid job in her field, and says she belongs in neither place. Asya, in Vietnam, lives without a visa and so cannot sort out paperwork, but she likes the country. Viktor, in Kazakhstan, works remotely as an IT professional and is thinking of moving back to Russia.
