Rumors of New Mobilization Spark Wave of Russian Emigration

A new wave of anxiety is driving some Russian citizens to flee or prepare for emigration amid rumors of a potential new troop mobilization for the war in Ukraine. While the scale of this movement does not currently match the mass exodus seen in 2022, reports indicate a palpable increase in public panic and a rise in inquiries to emigration assistance groups. The Kremlin has vehemently denied claims that another mobilization is planned, though Ukrainian officials and some diplomats suggest such a move may follow the State Duma elections.

Individuals leaving the country cite a combination of factors including the threat of recruitment, an economic crisis, and severe internet restrictions imposed by the government. Some citizens are targeting destinations such as Georgia, Armenia, Paraguay, and Kazakhstan. For example, a digital marketing specialist recently fled to Georgia, while others are selling assets to fund moves to South America to avoid participating in war crimes.

Outlets with different political leanings frame these departures differently. A center left source focuses on the personal emotional toll and the moral imperative of avoiding war crimes, presenting the exodus as a genuine new wave of emigration. In contrast, a center right source emphasizes the logistical scale of the movement, noting that there are currently no massive queues at borders, and includes the perspective of Russian officials who characterize those leaving as people who do not love their homeland.