Exodus of Russians from their homeland after war against Ukraine

Thousands of Russians are reportedly detained by the authorities for their protest against the government for the invasion of Ukraine. The internal protests remained a key factor against Russia, which started its war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

The exodus of Russians from their motherland is an essential but often disregarded aspect of the greater conversation regarding Russia's war on Ukraine. Though it is impossible to estimate the magnitude of the phenomena, we can anticipate it to continue, particularly if the US pursues a policy of luring highly skilled professionals and sustaining a Russian brain drain.

After Vladimir Putin is no longer in power, the Russian diaspora might be a crucial partner in constructing a new Russia. However, the emigrants will not be welcomed warmly in Europe and other territories, where hostility from even "ordinary Russians" has become common. 

It was reported that over 300,000 Russians left their country citing safety and security concerns; moreover, they said that most of them do not follow the ideology of the Russian government, and they were facing strict measures leading to their dismay.

According to the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the numbers are dramatically increasing as thousands of Russians are seeking a safe and secure place for their families. A number of people have moved to neighbouring countries; some are travelling to the United Arab Emirates and all other countries and territories which are welcoming them. However, many countries have either restricted entry or imposed other territorial restrictions against Russians as part of an embargo due to the Ukraine invasion.

The main reasons given by the Russian people for leaving the country were safety and human rights concerns, as well as the country's tumbling economy. The Russian migration is a result of people fearing their existence in the country due to the authoritarian policy of the government.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people around the world seek asylum in the US, the UK and Europe for safety and security concerns, including life threats in their home countries. To get asylum, a person is required to show that they are either the victim of past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution. On top of that, Russians face a major lack of respect in terms of human rights as most of them are denied safe asylum by many countries due to the reputation of their home country.

It is evident that over and over again Russian government detained thousands of people who were protesting against President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine as they were continuously chanting "no war" and "shame on you", says Reuters.

The protests drew 5,200 individuals, according to the interior ministry. At least 4,366 individuals were detained in 56 different cities, according to the OVD-Info protest monitoring group.

A study conducted by OK Russians, a non-profit organisation that assists Russians who opposed the war revealed 55% of the 1,500 immigrants recorded in March 2022 reported having faced some type of political pressure prior to leaving their native country.

Because of sanctions, including the revocation of visa-free travel for Russian citizens, the only foreign flights allowed are to Egypt and Turkey. The nearest open points for Russia and the EU in Europe have remained Belgrade, Serbia's capital, and Istanbul. Thousands are being forced to suffocate under the communist regime as they have no options left to travel.

The situation for Russian nationals is getting worse every day as many countries offering safe environments to asylum seekers have banned Russian oligarchs, as well as people who have their origin from Russia.

Alexander Mykhailo, a Russian national currently residing in Dubai, said he made many efforts to get citizenship in another country even though he is not favouring the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

 "I am shattered as other countries have banned us regardless of our opinions. We do not support wars, and we stood against the Russian government to remove its armies from Ukraine, and now we are left alone, our government is against us, and now the international community has also shown us the exit door. We are left with no options."

He emphasised due to pressures from the US, UK and Europe, all countries around the world have banned the entry of Russians, and denying residence permits. "I urge to all that they must provide asylum to people who are stateless and seeking a safe place for their families. We understand the concerns of the government, but they can verify our wealth, income sources and financial history of the past ten years to ensure that only legitimate persons are given the asylum or citizenship."

Alexander Mykhailo stressed that countries which currently assist people with asylum must come forward to rescue Russians. He said the majority of people who are seeking oust from Russia are just regular individuals who wish to have a safe, secure future for their families and have no associations with the government whatsoever.

Mykhailo said that it is a human right of all Russians to seek asylum or residence in another country as their home country is moving ahead towards political and economic instability.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine not only forced Ukrainians to seek shelter, but thousands of Russians are also looking for ways to get out of their country. However, no country is ready to accept the Russians seeking refugees in other countries. The situation is alarming and is a threat to the human rights of such individuals. They all deserve to live in spaces where their families can feel safe and live a prosperous life, and the global community must come forward to the rescue of people who are just ordinary citizens with no political associations with the Putin regime.