Russian Asylum Seekers

in Georgia

Vocabulary

Video

Transcript

Tens of thousands of Russians have left the country since the invasion of Ukraine. They are mostly young and liberal, shocked by the war. They’re concerned by president Putin’s latest crackdown on dissent and the economic sanctions, as well.

An estimated twenty-five-thousand have moved to Georgia. From Tbilisi the BBC’s Rehan Demetrie sent this report.

 
Clothes, food and toiletries. Volunteers are helping to load these donated essentials bound for Ukraine.

Doing his part is Yevgeniy from Moscow. He decided to leave Russia after being detained at an anti-war protest.

Yevgeniy Lyamin, Russian Refugee: “I don’t want to fight in this war against Ukrainians. And not for my homeland, but for Putin. Not all Russians support this war. Not all Russians support Putin.”

Since the invasion, tens of thousands of Russians have made the same decision, heading to turkey the south Caucasus and Central Asia; an estimated 25,000 have arrived in Georgia.

Lev Kalashnikov, Tech Entrepreneur: “I have created a guide.”

Lev has created a telegram channel to help Russians settle in Tbilisi. Thousands have subscribed in just a few days.

Lev Kalashnikov, Tech Entrepreneur: “I would call it a nowadays exodus of the minds from Russia. This is the biggest amount of people transferring in a short period of time.”

Many are planning to stay here, even bringing their pets with them. This young couple didn’t want to be identified — they say they’re afraid of what Russia has become.

Russian Refugee: “People are leaving because the state has crushed the prospects of professional development. There’s no way to stand up for your rights. There’s no freedom of speech, no free media.”

Many Russians are trying to make sense of their new circumstances. And what to do next.

Since the war started, Georgia has seen a surge in visitors from Russia. Hotels and Airbnbs are fully booked.

And while tourists are welcome here, the prospect of a more permanent resettlement of Russians is causing some concern.

Georgians have been protesting almost daily against the invasion of Ukraine. They remember their own war with Russia in 2008 and its continued occupation of Georgian territories.

Now Ukraine’s war is their war too.

For new Russian arrivals like Yevgeny there is no escaping public displays of sympathy with Ukraine and hostility towards the country they’ve left behind.

Storefront Window: “You are more than WELCOME here — if you agree that Putin is a War Criminal, and RESPECT the sovereignty of PEACEFUL nations.”

Rayhan Demytrie BBC news Tbilisi.

Questions

Georgia, Armenia. Since the Russian special military operation of Ukraine, only Ukrainians have become refugees. True or false?

Ukraine. Have the Russian refugees been mostly been old people, women and children? Why have the fled Russia?

Russia, Belarus. Those doing volunteer work have been entirely Westerners. Is this right or wrong? Are they volunteering as resistance fighters?

Turkey, Azerbaijan. Are all Russians pro-Putin, militarists and jingoists?

Iran, Iraq. Have most Russians fled to United States, Canada, the UK and Australia? Why have they fled to these places?

Greece, Italy, Spain. Their most important belongings are gold jewelry. Is this correct or incorrect?

Poland, Slovakia, Hungary. Are all the Russians very outspoken and vocal about the situation in their homeland?

Romania, Moldova. Do the Georgians completely welcome the Russians with open arms? Are the Georgians totally open, hospitable and welcoming?
 
 
 
Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia. Are there refugees in your town, city and country? Who are they? Where are they from? Why are they here?

Austria, Germany, Switzerland. Is there complete freedom of speech, press and assembly in your country? Describe the current situation.

France, Belgium. Why isn’t there freedom of speech, press and assembly in certain countries?

Britain, Ireland. Have people from your country fled to other places? When did this happen? Why did this take place?

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan. Are refugees welcome or is there resentment and hostility towards them?

Jordan, Israel, Lebanon. What might happen in the future?

Denmark, Sweden, Norway. What is the solution to the situation?