Wartime Russia Sees Fresh Exodus as Mobilization Fears and Restrictions Grow

Wartime Russia is seeing more citizens prepare to leave as mobilization fears, internet restrictions and shrinking freedoms fuel a new wave of emigration.

• Wartime Russia sees fresh fears of another military call-up.
• Kovcheg inquiries jump nearly eightfold from May.
• Russians are leaving over draft fears and tighter controls.
• Internet restrictions are pushing some workers abroad.
• Shrinking freedoms and uncertainty are driving a new emigration wave.

People are once again making plans to leave Wartime Russia. Fear of another mobilization is growing, while tighter internet controls and worries about the future are pushing some Russians to look for a way out.

The numbers are still nowhere close to the huge exodus of 2022. But Kovcheg, a group that helps Russians settle abroad, says it received almost eight times more inquiries last month than it did in May.

Are Russians preparing for another 2022?

There are no long lines at airports or border crossings this time. Flights to places such as Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Turkey are also still available. But many people appear to be preparing quietly before making a final decision.

Anastasia Burakova, who founded Kovcheg, said the rise in inquiries shows that people are looking at their options and preparing to leave.

The worry is not only about the military. Ukrainian drone attacks have caused fuel problems inside Russia this summer. Internet restrictions have also made everyday work harder for some people, especially those who depend on online services.

What happens when simply working online becomes difficult?

A 28-year-old digital marketer recently left Russia for Georgia. He had already moved abroad in 2022 to avoid the partial mobilization of 300,000 troops. He returned home in 2025 but eventually decided to leave again.

He said internet blocks had forced him to keep changing VPN servers just to reach the services he needed for work. Rumors of another mobilization added to his concerns.

A 23-year-old woman from Moscow also left Russia after her husband lost his military deferment following his master's degree. She feared he could be called into the army.

For others, the issue is freedom rather than military service. Activist Daniil Neonov left after being detained and jailed over a social media post. Other Russians say they are tired of political pressure, limited free speech and growing restrictions.

Is this really only about mobilization?

Russian officials have rejected claims that another mobilization is coming. Ukrainian officials have made the opposite claim. That disagreement has left many Russians facing the same question: what happens if the warning becomes reality?

Business Honor examines wartime Russia is not seeing another mass departure. But the growing number of people quietly making plans to leave shows that fear itself may be enough to change where they choose to build their lives.

FAQs     

Why are Russians leaving Russia?

Russians are leaving because of mobilization fears, internet restrictions, political pressure, economic uncertainty and concerns about shrinking freedoms.

Is Russia planning another mobilization?

Russian authorities have rejected claims of an imminent new mobilization, while Ukrainian officials have continued to warn about a possible call-up.

Where are Russians fleeing abroad?

Popular destinations include Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Turkey.

How does mobilization affect emigration?

Fear of a military draft is encouraging some Russian citizens to leave before they could potentially face military service.

What is driving emigration beyond military fears?

Internet restrictions, political pressure, economic concerns and reduced freedom of expression are also contributing to emigration from wartime Russia.