Introduction: War and Its Domestic Consequences
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only devastated its neighbour but also unleashed a wave of repression within its own borders. As the government cracks down on dissent, ordinary families face persecution for speaking out, refusing conscription, or simply seeking peace. The war has deepened authoritarianism at home, leaving many Russians with one option: to flee abroad in search of safety and dignity.


The Climate of Fear After Invasion
Following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin imposed sweeping restrictions on free speech. New laws criminalised the spread of so-called 'false information' about the military, with punishments of up to 15 years in prison. Even minor acts—such as posting on social media or attending a small protest—became grounds for prosecution. This climate of fear has targeted families, forcing parents and children alike to weigh the risks of staying silent versus speaking out.


Persecution of Anti-War Activists
Thousands of Russians who opposed the war have faced intimidation, fines, or imprisonment. Peaceful demonstrations were met with mass arrests, while activists faced surveillance, raids, and harassment. Families of dissidents were also targeted—children bullied at school, relatives interrogated, and spouses pressured to denounce their loved ones. For many, the personal cost of opposition became unbearable.


Forced Conscription and Draft Evasion
The announcement of 'partial mobilisation' in September 2022 triggered panic across Russia. Hundreds of thousands of men faced conscription to fight in Ukraine, often with little training and inadequate equipment. Those who refused risked imprisonment or severe penalties. Families, fearing for the lives of their sons and husbands, made the difficult decision to leave the country en masse, creating one of the largest outflows of Russians in decades.


Targeting of Journalists and Civil Society
Independent journalists and human rights defenders who criticised the war were branded as 'foreign agents' or 'extremists.' Dozens of outlets were shut down, and reporters were forced into exile to continue their work. Civil society groups offering legal aid to conscientious objectors or supporting political prisoners also faced repression. These attacks have dismantled the remaining structures of independent civil life in Russia.


Everyday Impact on Families
The war-related repression has deeply affected ordinary families:

- Parents fear their children will be indoctrinated in schools promoting state propaganda.
- Families of soldiers killed in Ukraine are silenced, unable to criticise the government.
- Children of activists face bullying and exclusion.
- Many households live under constant surveillance, afraid of a knock at the door.

These pressures make life unbearable for families seeking peace and security.


Mass Exodus Across Borders
Since the start of the war, millions of Russians have crossed borders into neighbouring countries such as Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Armenia. Others have sought asylum further afield in Europe and North America. Families fleeing persecution often face uncertainty, struggling to rebuild their lives in exile. Yet for many, leaving is the only way to protect loved ones from repression, conscription, and fear.


International Responses
Western countries have condemned Russia’s war-related repression and expanded asylum opportunities for those fleeing persecution. However, policies remain inconsistent, with some nations imposing visa restrictions on Russian citizens. Human rights organisations have urged governments to distinguish between those complicit in the regime’s actions and those fleeing its persecution.


Consequences for Russia
The outflow of families has significant consequences for Russia’s future. The country is losing professionals, activists, and young people who might have shaped a different society. At the same time, those who remain face an even harsher environment, with dissenters silenced and the state’s control deepening. The result is a society increasingly isolated from global norms, dominated by fear and propaganda.


Pathways to Support Families in Exile
To support persecuted Russian families, the international community should:

- Provide safe asylum pathways and humanitarian protection.
- Support exiled journalists and activists to continue their work.
- Offer integration assistance for families rebuilding their lives abroad.
- Maintain pressure on the Russian government to respect human rights.

These measures are essential to ensuring that those fleeing repression can find safety and dignity.


Conclusion: Fleeing for Safety and Hope
War-related persecution has turned exile into a necessity for countless Russian families. Facing conscription, repression, and fear, they have chosen to seek safety abroad. Their flight is both an act of survival and a rejection of a system that punishes dissent and sacrifices lives for war. Until Russia ends its campaign of persecution and embraces peace and democracy, the exodus of its citizens will continue, reshaping both Russia’s society and its relationship with the world.