The invasion of Ukraine has sparked a mass exodus of educated young Russians from Russia. The steady stream of academic, finance, and tech workers leaving the country has become a stampede for the exits as Putin steps up repression. Anti-war and anti-Putin, this is a generation that has grown up under Putin and grown up with Western tech, fashion, and media. They were Russia’s best hope for economic diversification away from total dependence on Oil and Gas revenue. The new vibrant Russian economy they were essential in building collapsed almost overnight along with any hope for a future in Russia under Putin’s iron fist.
According to RAEK, a Russian technology trade group, between 50,000 and 70,000 tech workers have already fled Russia, and 70,000 to 100,000 more could leave in April.
They hate Putin and Putin hates them. Putin calls them a fifth column of traitors and that Russia is better off without them. Founders of startups, high in-demand software developers, artists, writers, the best and the brightest of the Russian Federation are now persona non grata in Vlad’s repressive dystopian state. In response to a question from a reporter a new Russian exile in Istanbul had this to say:
When I ask them if they have encountered any instances of Russophobia while abroad Nastya has a sharp reply: “Nowhere are Russians treated as badly as in Russia.”
Here is Putin’s take on Russia’s best and brightest:
The Russian people will always be able to distinguish true patriots from scum and traitors and simply spit them out like a gnat that accidentally flew into their mouths,...
I am convinced that such a natural and necessary cleansing of society will only strengthen our country, our solidarity, cohesion and readiness to respond to any challenges,...
A recent statement by Vladimir Putin
One of Russia's most popular rappers, Oxxxymiron brought his banned anti-war message to a sold-out show in Istanbul. The proceeds from his show which was attended by young Russians and Ukrainians went to help Ukrainian refugees. Oxxxymiron has had concerts benefiting Ukraine in Berlin and London as well.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russian soldiers that have joined the Ukrainians and formed the Legion of Free Russia to fight alongside the Ukrainian armed forces have received their new uniforms with the white, blue, white Russian flag of the free Russians. The red stripe of blood and shame for the atrocities in Ukraine is gone from the new flag of Russian resistance. The unit has seen its first combat and taken a Russian lieutenant prisoner. In addition, there may be as many as 100’s of anti-Putin Russian activists fighting in the Ukrainian territorial defense forces.
If Putin’s army is defeated in Ukraine it will create a devastating shock to those who have been living in Putin’s propaganda bubble. Already, cracks in the lie are appearing as Russian soldiers call family and relay the true picture of the disaster in Ukraine. Body bags have been coming home to Russia. The shock of defeat in Ukraine combined with the shock of a collapsed economy and widespread economic misery could change everything. Like President Zelenskyy, the Russian resistance sees Ukraine as the frontline in the war for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. This movement which is right now just beginning to emerge may become a serious force inside Russia depending on developments in Ukraine. Putin awakened a sleeping lion in Ukraine, he may also have inadvertently awakened one in Russia.