Russians Seek Exit Routes as Mobilisation Fears Resurge

Fears of a fresh military mobilisation are prompting a growing number of Russians to consider leaving the country, according to an immigration support platform, nearly four years after Moscow drafted 300,000 reservists to fight in Ukraine.

Relokatz, a platform associated with exiled Russian opposition figure Maxime Katz, reports receiving approximately 120 inquiries daily from individuals seeking guidance on relocating abroad, a sharp increase from earlier figures of 10 to 20.

In recent months, more people have inquired about departing Russia before September or October due to speculation that the Kremlin may order another mobilisation following the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Russian officials have denied any plans for an additional draft.

Relokatz was launched after the initial surge of emigration triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the partial military mobilisation announced in 2022. The platform provides practical information on visas, residence permits, document legalisation, and transporting pets abroad, as well as paid administrative support services.

Looking abroad

Interest has steadily grown since February, noted Relokatz editor-in-chief Alexandra Nazarova.

“Between February and April, traffic to our website and interactions with our AI assistant tripled,” Nazarova told RFI.

Previously handling between 10 and 20 inquiries per day, the volume rose to around 70 in April and continued climbing throughout the summer.

“We now average roughly 120 inquiries per day,” Nazarova said.

Concerns over the war are increasingly intersecting with frustration over tightening domestic restrictions, she explained.

“Previously, people reached out for very specific reasons, directly impacted by events. Today, it reflects a broader sentiment: life in Russia has become unbearable, departure is necessary—and naturally, the fear of mobilisation looms large.”

These figures reflect only those who contact the platform directly and therefore do not represent the full scope of emigration sentiment nationwide. Nonetheless, the upward trend hints at widespread unease within segments of the population.

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Below the 2022 peak

Google Trends data offers another indirect indicator of renewed interest in leaving Russia, showing several notable spikes in searches for the phrase “how to leave Russia” in March and July 2026.

Despite this uptick, search volumes remain significantly lower than those recorded in 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a partial mobilisation in September prompted an unprecedented exodus.

Deutsche Welle estimates that between 500,000 and one million people may have left Russia in 2022.

Russia’s Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) provides a more conservative estimate, recording 668,000 departures during the year. However, these numbers must be interpreted carefully, as not all recorded exits indicate permanent emigration.

This year’s renewed interest persists despite no official word from the Kremlin regarding a new mobilisation.

Nevertheless, the possibility of a draft following the parliamentary elections continues to fuel anxiety, particularly among men of conscription age.

“Men increasingly write saying they must leave urgently before September or October to avoid mobilisation, should it occur,” Nazarova said.

The platform is also receiving messages from 17- and 18-year-olds nearing enrollment age, some seeking universities abroad where they might pursue education while minimizing the risk of being drafted.

The majority of inquiries originate from individuals under 40.

Messages are nearly evenly split between men and women, according to Nazarova, though women often reach out on behalf of male relatives or partners.

“They say: ‘He just received his mobilisation notice—or fears he might soon. What should we do? Where can we take him?’” she said.

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Nearby destinations

Preferred destinations have changed little since the mass departures of 2022.

Armenia, Georgia, and Serbia remain top choices due to relatively accessible entry and settlement processes for Russian citizens.

Armenia holds a distinct advantage—Russians can enter using an internal Russian passport, making it viable for those without international travel documents.

Georgia permits extended stays without requiring a visa.

Serbia has emerged as a well-established destination for Russian migrants, offering multiple pathways to residency through employment, entrepreneurship, study, or school enrollment for children.

The country’s sizable Russian-speaking community also eases the transition for newcomers.

Turkey, previously a popular choice during the first wave of departures in 2022, has grown less attractive as securing or renewing certain residence permits has become more challenging.

As a result, some Russians contacting Relokatz are exploring options farther afield.

Latin American countries are gaining traction among those willing to place greater geographic distance between themselves and Russia, Nazarova noted.

This article was adapted from an original report in French by RFI’s Sophia Khatsenkova.

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