The City where Thousands of Russians have fled since the Invasion of Ukraine | Foreign Correspondent

ABC News In-depth2 minutes read

A Moscow activist from Pussy Riot seeks refuge in Georgia to avoid arrest for opposing Putin, joining other Russians fleeing his regime. Despite facing occasional hostility, Russian exiles in Georgia fear returning to Russia due to Putin's crackdown on dissent and independent media.

Insights

  • Many Russians, including activists like members of Pussy Riot, have sought refuge in Georgia to escape Putin's regime and crackdown on dissent, highlighting the challenging environment for opposition voices in Russia.
  • The complex dynamics in Georgia include support for Ukrainian refugees alongside potential animosity towards Russians due to historical conflicts, with Russian exiles facing not only occasional hostility but also the constant fear of government action compelling them to return to Russia, underscoring the ongoing risks associated with opposing Putin's rule.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • Why are some Russians fleeing to Georgia?

    Political crackdown under Putin's regime.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Russian activists seek refuge in Georgia from Putin.

  • A Moscow activist from the punk collective Pussy Riot is now in Georgia to avoid arrest for defying Putin.
  • She hopes someone from Putin's circle will kill him, denouncing his regime and fleeing Putin's dictatorship.
  • Georgia, a former Soviet republic, has become a refuge for tens of thousands of Russians fleeing Putin's crackdown.
  • Russians in Georgia include journalists, dissidents, artists, and activists opposing Putin's war and regime.
  • Members of Pussy Riot have faced arrests and exile for their activism against Putin.
  • Some Russians in Georgia fear returning to Russia due to Putin's crackdown on dissent.
  • Independent journalists in Russia face censorship and persecution, with media outlets being shut down.
  • Some Russians, like Elena, continue to resist Putin's regime despite the risks.
  • Putin's invasion of Ukraine has led to a crackdown on dissent and independent media in Russia.
  • Georgians are supportive of Ukrainian refugees but may harbor animosity towards all Russians due to past conflicts with Russia.

26:00

Russian Exile in Georgia Fears Government Action

  • Nika, a Russian exile in Georgia, faces occasional hostility due to her nationality, but her main concern is potential government action against her anti-Putin stance, fearing being forced back to Russia, despite finding Georgia welcoming and democratic.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.