Emigration Attitudes and Actions of Russian Youth in 2020–2025

Based on data from leading sociological centers and official statistical services the article analyzes the dynamics of emigration attitudes and behavior among Russian youth in 2020–2025. These dynamics are associated with key factors and emerging triggers for changes in youth migration strategies. The author distinguishes three stages during this period. In the first stage (2020–2021), the situation was determined by the pandemic, which led to a restriction of emigration actions and an increase in emigration intentions. In the second stage (2022–2023), the situation was determined by a special military operation, which led to a decline in emigration intentions and a surge in emigration actions by young people. In the third stage (2024–2025), the situation of open confrontation with the West led to a decrease in emigration intentions and actions to the minimum values for the period of sociological and statistical observations. Overall, cross-national studies show a relatively low level of emigration intentions among Russian citizens in these extraordinary conditions.