Russian citizens who left the country over opposition to the war and President Vladimir Putin are facing pressure from both Moscow and European states, according to a report published on August 18, 2026. Russia is moving to restrict the civil rights of government opponents abroad, while countries in Europe are making asylum and residence options more difficult.

Earlier this month, Putin enacted a law limiting passport renewals and other consular services for people convicted in absentia in political cases. The measures can also apply to accusations of violating the “foreign agent” law or “discrediting” the Russian army. Since Russia’s 2023 citizenship law, more than 4,500 people have had their citizenship revoked, raising concerns that exiled opponents could retain formal citizenship while losing practical access to passports and state protection.

Germany has narrowed access to humanitarian visas, while Finland has expelled more than 1,000 Russian citizens and rejected over 1,100 asylum applications since the Ukraine war began. Russian-Armenian activist Arshak Makichyan said anti-war Russians face obstacles abroad as well as from Russian authorities. The report says fears of another military mobilization may prompt more people to leave, despite the lack of secure asylum routes.