Poverty In Russia - The Borgen Project

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, hundreds of thousands of Russian refugees have fled their country due to fear of repression, forced military conscription, and a rapidly shrinking civic space. While their reasons for leaving may differ — from political views to personal safety — one result remains the same: many are now facing poverty and instability in unfamiliar countries.

To better understand the human impact of this forced migration, The Borgen Project spoke with Ekaterina, a 20-year-old woman who left Russia with her sister in 2022. Her story reflects not only personal hardship but also a broader crisis affecting displaced people worldwide.

Life Before and the Urgency to Leave

Before the war escalated, Ekaterina lived a relatively stable life in Saint Petersburg, studying at a university and preparing for her future. However, as political pressure mounted, peaceful protesters were arrested, media outlets shut down, and fear spread quickly.

“People were being arrested for saying what they thought, and even peaceful protests became dangerous,” she told The Borgen Project. “We did not feel safe anymore.”

Faced with uncertainty, she and her sister decided to leave Russia in 2022. With no concrete plan and limited resources, they packed what they could and left their home behind.

Poverty in Disguise: Starting Over with Nothing

Although many Russian migrants are often perceived as educated or middle class, their relocation often pushes them into poverty. Most leave without stable income, savings, or access to local support systems. For Ekaterina and her sister, this meant relying on short-term housing with acquaintances and struggling to find legal work.

“We did not know how anything worked — the documents, the healthcare, even just how to rent an apartment,” she said. “Money was the biggest stress — we did not have savings and could not work right away.”

The sisters depended on public transportation and occasional food support. Emotional stress, legal uncertainty, and cultural barriers added to their hardship.

Gaps in Support for the Russian Refugees

One of the most pressing challenges for displaced Russian people is that many do not qualify for official refugee status, leaving them in a legal limbo. Yet despite these barriers, some organizations have stepped in to help.

For example, founded in 2022, Ark helps Russian political exiles and conscientious objectors by providing legal assistance, housing guidance, and relocation resources across Europe and North America. It also runs Telegram channels and support hotlines for Russian speakers seeking asylum or temporary protection.

In the U.S., organizations like Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) provide broader resettlement services for asylum seekers, including Russian migrants — but access can vary by location and case status.

Still, as Ekaterina noted, “We were lucky. A few volunteers helped us with paperwork and told us where to get food. But many others didn’t speak English and did not know where to go.”

Migration and Poverty: An Inseparable Link

Forced displacement — whether from war, authoritarianism, or repression — often leads to poverty, regardless of one’s previous economic standing. The loss of home, employment, and legal stability can create long-term economic hardship, even for those who were once secure.

Ekaterina’s story is not unique. Thousands of Russian refugees and refugees from other countries like her are now living in financial and emotional uncertainty. Their experiences reveal that poverty is often not a result of laziness or poor choices, but of circumstances beyond one’s control.

Supporting displaced people through legal aid, housing access, language support, and mental health care is essential not only for recovery, but also for breaking the long-term cycle of poverty.

As she put it, “We did not choose this easily. Most of us had jobs, education and plans. Now we are just trying to survive.”

– Polina Makarova

Polina is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr