Fleeing Repression, Russians Rebuild Their Lives in Armenia
Russians seeking to leave their country amid the war in Ukraine have limited options. Many have flocked to Armenia, where they don't need a visa to enter, creating a small, makeshift community in the capital Yerevan in a matter of weeks.
Some members of this new diaspora have left in protest against the war, some are seeking security as Russia’s economy falters, and some have fled ongoing repression against anti-war journalists, activists and protesters.
As they struggle to find work and accommodation — particularly as housing costs have begun to rise — many have found support and solidarity with other émigrés and a rapidly growing informal network of events and meeting spots.
Some members of this new diaspora have left in protest against the war, some are seeking security as Russia’s economy falters, and some have fled ongoing repression against anti-war journalists, activists and protesters.
As they struggle to find work and accommodation — particularly as housing costs have begun to rise — many have found support and solidarity with other émigrés and a rapidly growing informal network of events and meeting spots.
Russians who have left their country due to the war in Ukraine gather for a potluck in Victory Park in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
Pascal Dumont
Victory Park is situated at the top of a hill overlooking the Armenian captal.
Pascal Dumont
Potluck co-organizer Ilya Devedzhian stands in front of a samovar, traditionally used in Russia to boil water for tea.
Pascal Dumont
A picnic basket filled with fruits, vegetables, cheeses and Armenian lavash flatbread.
Pascal Dumont
Events like this potluck help new Russian émigrés find a sense of community.
Pascal Dumont
On clear days, Mount Ararat can be seen in the distance.
Pascal Dumont
The Voch Luys Voch Mut cafe in central Yerevan serves as a gathering place for many Russian exiles.
Pascal Dumont
Many of the new Russian émigrés work in fields like IT that allow them to work from any location.
Pascal Dumont
The owner of the Voch Luys Voch Mut cafe, Karlen Dilbarian, with his barista Sasha, who has newly arrived from Russia, and Marika Semenenko. Yerevan, Armenia.
Pascal Dumont
Alexey Tarasenko, 29, and his son Benedict, 7. Yerevan, Armenia.
Pascal Dumont
A poster reading 'for rent' in Russian on a flat in Yerevan, Armenia.
The influx of new residents has caused housing prices to surge in Armenia's capital.
The influx of new residents has caused housing prices to surge in Armenia's capital.
Pascal Dumont
