Dimitri’s Choice and a Wave of Departures
Dimitri—a false name for privacy—made a hard choice that weighed on him at first. The decision to leave his wife and end their relationship was not easy; fear and confusion mingled with relief as time passed. Looking back, he sees it as a wise decision, and that shift in perspective brings a quiet happiness he hadn’t expected.
Her circle confirms the trend. Many friends likewise chose to move away after the announcement on September 21. The aim was not to join the fighting in Ukraine, but to escape the consequences of the conflict. Dimitri notes that his social world is now split across cities and countries: Antalya in southern Turkey is home for him now, while others have settled in Istanbul, Dubai, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. Those who remain in Russia may soon follow, he suspects.
His departure happened quickly. Just a day after the government spoke, Dimitri bought a ticket to leave. The journey began in Moscow, with a transfer to Dubai, and continued to Antalya via Istanbul on September 24. The trip that typically costs around 500 euros became a 1,500-euro fare for him, and in the weeks that followed, flights from Russia surged to 5,000 euros and beyond for many travelers.
Journalists, Activists, and a New Demographic
Dimitri is not alone. In fact, about one person in a million is a rough estimate of how many Russians left the country since late February, when the decision to resume military action was announced. In the initial weeks, the escapees were mostly journalists and activists whose safety would be compromised by staying. Later, younger professionals in liberal fields began to leave as Western sanctions tightened access to technology and business in Russia’s major cities.
Now, the profile of departures has shifted. Men between 18 and 60 years old have been among those who flee to avoid compulsory service. Kazakhstan has provided clear figures, reporting roughly 200,000 Russians entering through its land border in just a few weeks. The figure points to a striking exodus in a short period, underscoring the scale of the impact on families and communities.
Even people who supported the government and believed state media are choosing to leave. They recognize that serving in a war could put their lives at risk with little chance of returning unharmed. The fear of trauma, injury, and death weighs heavily in the decision to depart, and many seek safety and stability elsewhere.
Eva Rapoport, a young Russian woman who founded an aid organization for those fleeing, has seen the range of emotions and motivations in the community she helps. She notes that some travelers carry a distressing stigma, marked by the letter Z in profiles—the symbol associated with the current military campaign. Yet many deserve understanding and practical help as they navigate exits that can feel risky and uncontrolled.
A Recurrent Tale Across Continents
Autumn streets in Istanbul echo with Russian conversation. The city hosts a mix of visitors and temporary residents, some planning to return soon, others with no clear destination. The scene resembles a century-old pattern in which a wave of Russians sought safety in Istanbul after upheaval at home. The current exodus traces a line from old emigres to a new generation seeking a different future, away from political violence and mandatory service.
People leaving often describe a mix of relief and ongoing anxiety. Crossing borders can involve bribes and pressure from officials, yet those who can pay sometimes gain faster clearance. The atmosphere is tense, but the possibility of escape remains real for those who have the means to pursue it.
Meanwhile, Dimitri contemplates what lies ahead. His wife plans to depart Russia soon, a move that faces barriers since women may encounter more challenges in securing work abroad. During this period, Dimitri focuses on supporting friends who remain. The question of their fate looms large, as the prospect of being summoned to service becomes ever more plausible. The shared sentiment is unequivocal: no one wishes for war, and many will choose to leave rather than endure it.
What unfolds is more than a personal story. It reflects a broader migration pattern influenced by political decisions, economic sanctions, and the search for safety. As families try to reunite in places far from home, the human cost becomes visible in everyday conversations, city streets, and the new communities that form in distant regions.