Alexei Trubetskoy and Others Leave Russia, Uncertain of Their Future Amid Political and Economic Upheaval

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unfolds, more and more Russians are fleeing the country, worried about the political and economic fallout. Alexei Trubetskoy, who runs an English language school in Moscow, made the decision to leave the moment he saw the news of the invasion. “I realized I had to leave as soon as I can,” he said. He booked a ticket to Sri Lanka the same day, fearing that the war would irrevocably change Russia.

For Trubetskoy, like many others, the uncertainty surrounding the future of Russia has led to difficult decisions. “My future is taken away from me,” he said. “The country won’t be the same.” As martial law looms and economic instability sets in, growing numbers of Russians are seeking refuge abroad, unsure of when or if they will be able to return to their homeland.