Rumors of another mobilization have pushed some Russians from contingency plans to packed bags. Readers tell Meduza where they’ve fled.

Meduza collected reader accounts describing a fresh wave of departures from Russia driven by economic strain, internet restrictions, drone strikes and rumors of a new mobilization. Writers described selling apartments and inherited property to fund exits, learning German or Spanish, getting pets vaccinated and microchipped, and chasing document apostilles under deadline pressure.

Destinations ranged from Germany and the Czech Republic to Paraguay and South Korea, with one writer settling near Hohenau, Paraguay after finding German ancestry claims unprovable. Several described panic attacks, insomnia and worsening mental health symptoms tied to fear of conscription, particularly among medical professionals automatically liable for service.

One writer cited an advertisement for the Alabuga Polytechnic youth program as a breaking point, saying it convinced them they did not want their children raised alongside that generation. Others said they no longer considered Russia their homeland regardless of who holds power there.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.