Across several markets, veteran sex workers report significant changes in client behavior and income since renewed sanctions and border closures began. A Moscow-based webcam operator, who prefers to be called a fairy, notes that the recent disruptions have driven away both long-standing clients and wealthier international clients. This shift has markedly reduced revenue for many in the industry, which had relied heavily on foreign business and domestic professionals with disposable income.
“The flow of less favorable clients has risen, and the rates for services have had to drop to attract regulars who remain,” she explains. “Many moneyed regulars and business travelers left the country, and foreign clients stopped coming, which used to constitute a major share of earnings. As a result, the overall client flow diminished.”
At the same time, Ukrainian and other regional workers have faced additional barriers. Even those with training or education can struggle to reach premium segments, as networks and reputations shift under pressure. Some workers acknowledge a need to adapt pricing and service levels to compete when demand is softer in the market. In these conditions, improvisation becomes essential for survival.
Consequently, those who remained had to offer concessions and discounts to keep regulars who had previously partnered with colleagues who had left the country. The situation has given rise to a more cautious pricing landscape, with workers weighing immediate cash needs against long-term reputation and safety concerns.
One worker describes the atmosphere as a “survival market,” where serious price discussions become common and expectations from clients change as stress and uncertainty rise. In some cases, professionals report that interactions with clients now demand greater emotional labor and listening skills, not just transactional interactions. The shift reflects broader economic pressures and the need for safety-first practices in volatile environments.
Another industry insider notes a trend toward more intimate and physically intense services among some segments of clients, possibly as a coping mechanism for stress. This observation aligns with broader reports of changing consumer preferences during periods of economic strain, where some clients seek forms of interaction that provide a stronger sense of control or escape from daily pressures.
In a separate account from St. Petersburg, a model agency worker named Rita describes a similar downturn. The number of clients declined as businessmen relocated or faced financial difficulties, and foreign and high-spending clients disappeared from the market. She notes some Ukrainian workers becoming more visible in neighboring markets, while others opt to work independently through social channels to diversify income streams. The freelance approach has its own risks, including privacy concerns and the potential for personal information exposure online.
Rita explains that agencies have shifted from strict screening to more informal assessments of potential clients, with workers often evaluating risk by observation. She recalls encounters with explicit expectations from some clients that go beyond traditional boundaries, and she emphasizes that safety and consent remain central to her decisions. There are reports of coercive requests and pressure to perform under unsafe conditions, which workers say they must refuse or renegotiate to avoid harm.
There have also been troubling anecdotes about pressure to disclose personal details or to participate in activities that compromise privacy. In several cases, workers describe traumatic experiences tied to coercion, blackmail attempts, and threats of public exposure. Some professionals have chosen to leave agencies and build independent client bases via social networks and personal branding, hoping to regain control over their work and safety protocols.
One worker recounts a distressing incident involving a client who demanded risky acts and used coercive tactics. The experience underscored the importance of clear boundaries, risk assessment, and access to medical support. Workers consistently stress the need for better safety practices and transparent policies from agencies and platforms to minimize exploitation and harm.
Shifts in markets and new risk considerations for workers
A veteran in Moscow with a decade of experience notes that several colleagues have left major markets for neighboring countries where conditions are perceived as less volatile. While some workers report lower living costs and slightly easier travel logistics in alternative regions, the stress of ongoing political and economic instability remains high. The majority of workers acknowledge that resilience hinges on adaptability, community networks, and access to reliable information about safety and well-being.
Many professionals report a move away from high-visibility venues to more controlled, private arrangements to mitigate risk and preserve privacy. Some workers describe a broader search for supplemental income opportunities to cushion earnings against market shocks. In parallel, the client base is recalibrating, with the demand shift affecting roles, costumes, and scenarios as workers negotiate new boundaries and consent standards.
Industry voices emphasize the persistent need for worker safety, fair compensation, and client screening. Even as markets evolve and workers explore new avenues, the overarching priority remains clear: protect the well-being of those who provide services and ensure ethical engagement.
Citations accompany the testimonies of workers to reflect the sensitive nature of this topic and to acknowledge the conditions shaping the industry during this period. These attributions help frame the broader context without exposing personal details beyond what workers choose to share for public awareness.