Putin Faces The Threat Of A Mass Exodus Of Russians

• 21.09.2026, 14:36

Russian citizens may be automatically barred from leaving the country.

Following the largest attack by Ukrainian drones on Moscow, fears of a new mobilization have intensified in Russia. Against this backdrop, Russians have begun leaving the country in advance, fearing possible restrictions on travel, reports Daily Express.

On Sunday, hundreds of drones attacked Moscow https://charter97.org/ru/news/2026/9/20/699044/ and the Moscow Region. The attack coincided with the final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections. Russian authorities stated that, in response, they intend to intensify their strikes on Ukraine.

More and more Russians are considering leaving the country. According to the “Ark” project, there has been a noticeable surge in requests for help with emigration since mid-July. Search queries for “how to leave” and “mobilization” have reached their highest levels since 2023.

The coordinator of the “Ark” project Yan Slovitsky, who assists those arriving in Yerevan, attributes what is happening to fears of a new wave of conscription.

“People are leaving early because they’ve already seen what happened during previous waves,” he said.

Since mid-July, panic has been mounting in Russia, linked not only to a possible mobilization but also to fuel shortages and internet outages.

Fears are heightened by the electronic registry of draft notices. Authorities can prohibit people from leaving Russia based on data from the automated system.

Putin called talk of a new mobilization “complete nonsense.”

Following the attack, Moscow announced its intention to “intensify” strikes against Ukraine. Against the backdrop of these statements and warnings from European intelligence agencies about a possible escalation of Russian aggression, fear among Russians is growing. Many are choosing to leave before the authorities can impose new restrictions.