A group of exiled Kremlin critics is urging EU countries to welcome more Russians fleeing Vladimir Putin’s regime as a way to undermine the government and support the wartime economy in Ukraine. Up to one million people have fled Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but some are returning due to job shortages and visa issues. The critics argue that skilled workers leaving Russia could have a significant impact on the country’s ability to wage war.
A study conducted by researchers associated with the University of Nicosia on behalf of a new think tank founded by the opposition activist Dmitry Gudkov and economist Vladislav Inozemtsev surveyed over 3,200 Russian emigres in France, Germany, Poland, and Cyprus. The majority of respondents left Russia after key events such as the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The study recommends a policy of “economic migration” from Russia, targeting well-educated emigres who support Western values.
The study argues that encouraging the outflow of qualified specialists and money from Russia, unrelated to the war, could be a more effective strategy to undermine the Putin regime than traditional sanctions. The average monthly salary of Russian immigrants in Cyprus is significantly higher than that of native Cypriots, indicating the economic potential of welcoming skilled Russians into European countries. The study also suggests that Russian exiles could integrate easily into European societies and provide a boost to slow-growing economies.
Inozemtsev emphasized the qualifications of Russians who have left their country, highlighting the potential impact they could have on European economies. He believes that welcoming skilled Russians could be a more effective tactic against the Kremlin than the current sanctions that have had limited success in halting Russia’s war machine. The study underscores the need for EU countries to do more to support Russian emigres and create opportunities for them to contribute to their new societies.
The opposition activists stress the importance of encouraging skilled Russians to leave their country in order to weaken the Putin regime and support Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. They argue that every skilled professional who leaves Russia is one less asset available for the government to use in its military operations. By providing support and opportunities for Russian emigres, European countries can not only benefit from their skills and contributions but also help undermine the Putin regime from within.
The study’s policy recommendations include the need for a coordinated effort to stimulate the outflow of qualified specialists and financial assets from Russia to weaken the government’s grip on power. By targeting well-educated emigres who support Western values, European countries can harness the potential of Russian exiles to bolster their economies and societies. The study also addresses concerns about anti-immigrant sentiments by emphasizing the ease with which Russian exiles can integrate into European societies and contribute positively to their new communities.
