There is no denying that the current pan-European refugee emergency has been intensified by the millions fleeing life-threatening turmoil in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere. But Russia has an even longer history of people fleeing into Europe.
It was mainly the 1917 Russian Revolution that spawned a European refugee crisis as millions of Russians fled abroad and settled in capitals such as Paris, Vienna and London. In fact in 1921, the League of Nations, organized negotiations for the resettlement or repatriation of displaced Russians. Even a “Nansen Passport” was created which facilitated international travel and granted the fleeing Russians refugee status.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union 50 years later London was the main destination to which oligarchs and businessmen flocked while Berlin and New York became the haven for the creative community.
Russia is now not suffering the dangerous chaos seen in Afghanistan or Syria, but on a smaller scale and lacking any international attention it’s germinating an insecure environment from which a growing number of people are seeking a safer haven.
Although the Baltic states have been the preference for many of Alexei Navalny’s allies, Georgia has recently been the destination of choice for a new generation of dissidents. The corona virus pandemic has made it difficult for many to leave for the west and Georgia is seen as a secure sanctuary.
In general, the perilous political situation has been the factor in inducing departure.
(Pikemalt saab lugeda Eesti Elu 1. oktoobri 2021 paber- ja PDF/digilehest)
