EXPAT TALES: Estimates vary regarding the number of Russians who have left the country since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 22, 2024 (The Bell estimated it at a minimum of 650,000). Driven to flee by the fear of mobilization, political repression, or economic uncertainties in a country fast becoming a world pariah, many departing Russians were financially, mentally or emotionally ill-prepared for this forced emigration. Some ended up moving back (see article, page 12), while others came to terms with their new lives abroad. We asked several emigres to recall their early days in their new surroundings. These are their stories

BELGRADE LIFE On my second day in Belgrade I was asked to join a local colleague in checking out our new office. I rushed to Novi Belgrade--with which I was [...]