The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that the idea of welcoming back Russians who chose to live abroad is not new and has appeared in policy discussions many times before. He spoke about this during a briefing at the presidential residence, noting that the topic has recurred in official conversations and is being considered within the framework of ongoing governance discussions as part of efforts to address national priorities and citizen mobility.
Earlier remarks from Konstantin Kosachev, deputy chair of Russia’s Federation Council, emphasized the need to foster favorable conditions for Russians overseas who wish to return home. He argued for a highly personalized approach that takes into account each individual’s circumstances, responsibilities, and timing, suggesting that a one-size-fits-all plan would not serve the diverse needs of returning citizens. This perspective aligns with broader discussions about national development and demographic strategy, where selective incentives and support mechanisms could be tailored to different regions and sectors.
Peskov reiterated that the topic remains on the table, included in current policy discussions and planning processes. He stressed that while the wording may evolve over time, the underlying objective of facilitating a potential return and aligning it with Russia’s long-term strategic goals has been and continues to be a recurring theme in official dialogue and policy refinement.
In related context, Murat Zyazikov, Russia’s ambassador to Cyprus, pointed to the measurable economic impact of reduced tourist arrivals in 2022. He estimated a loss approaching one billion euros for the country’s tourism sector, highlighting how fluctuations in outbound travel can ripple through national industries and regional reputations. The remark underscores the broader economic awareness among officials about how international mobility intersects with host-country revenue and employment indicators.
On the digital front, Maksut Shadayev, head of the Ministry of Digital Development, revealed another facet of the workforce dynamics shaping the Russian economy. He noted that roughly 100,000 IT specialists left the country since the beginning of 2022, a trend that has implications for innovation, software development, and the country’s competitiveness in technology sectors. This figure reflects the broader concern among policymakers about retaining skilled talent, managing remote work possibilities, and sustaining domestic digital infrastructure while addressing the drivers behind migration of skilled professionals.