Since the escalation of the Ukrainian war in 2022, Russia has experienced a significant exodus of up to a million citizens. But due to the travel restrictions in the European Union, many chose to move to Georgia and Armenia. This mass movement of people and their generally anti-war views are becoming increasingly pivotal issues within these countries. We discussed the implications of recent migration and displacement on those two countries with two researchers from the region, Givi Silagadze (CRRC-Georgia) and Nareg Seferian (Virginia Tech).

CRRC Researcher Givi Silagadze elaborated on Georgia’s reaction to the recent influx of Russians into the country. Approximately 100,000 Russians have relocated to Georgia, which triggered mixed sentiments among the local population. According to a CRRC/ NDI pool, 36% of Georgians perceive this migration negatively, and another 33% of Georgians described it as rather negative. The Georgian government has adapted its visa regulations for Russian citizens multiple times over the last decade, with the last change allowing Russians to stay in Georgia without a visa for a full year. However, Georgia maintains a selective approach to allowing individuals into the country, a policy not entirely communicated to the public. Russians known for their anti-Kremlin views, such as publicist Viktor Shenderovich and journalist Alexandra Shevchenko, have been denied entry in the past months.

Another CRRC survey of Russian migrants, mostly comprised of young, educated, and urban professionals, shows that many left Russia predominantly due to political dissatisfaction, expressing negative attitudes towards the Russian government. The data collected shows that 28% of migrants chose Georgia as their final destination for safety reasons, while 17% prioritized the affordability of life in Georgia. At the same time, over 75% of the survey participants felt positively about the European Union, the United States, and NATO.

Subsequently, Nareg Seferian illustrated how, akin to Georgia, the reactions of Armenian citizens to this migration varied. According to his studies, Armenia has seen an influx of about 150,000 Russians, many perceived as anti-war and anti-Kremlin. This migration led to an increase in the prices of consumer goods and real estate, but also placed Armenia on the radar of the EU for concerns of helping Russia evade economic sanctions. Armenia's homogenous culture has faced new dynamics, and perceptions of 'The Armenian Nation' are evolving with the increased liberal influence. Russian migrants in Armenia refer to themselves as "relocanti," not immigrants, signifying a subtle but key shift in socio-cultural perceptions. Nevertheless, the main concern in Armenia remains the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, with many citizens being more worried about that situation than about Russian immigration changes. Consequently, Armenia has not imposed any restrictions on Russian immigrants, showing the tension between a desire for openness and dependence on Russia for security. The network meeting pointed to the evolving sentiments of Russian migration to Georgia and Armenia and the challenges these nations face, given their historical precedents.