Many Russians have returned home despite unprecedented Western sanctions, boosting Russia’s economy by contributing between one-fifth and one-third of its 3.6% GDP growth in 2023. The returnees were motivated by difficulties with renewing residence permits abroad and discrimination on a personal and institutional level, even in countries traditionally friendly to Russia. Russian propaganda has used their return as proof of widespread “Russophobia” in the West, while President Putin views it as a positive trend that supports his policies. The sense of insecurity among Russians abroad may continue to drive the repatriation process as the war continues. In 2022, Russia experienced two waves of outward migration – one initially after the invasion of Ukraine and the second during the announcement of a “partial” mobilization by the Kremlin. Many left due to opposition to the war, fears of economic collapse or reluctance to be involved in the conflict. While Putin initially described this outflow as a necessary “cleansing of society,” his tone has since shifted to viewing those remaining abroad as a connection between Russia and its foreign partners.
