‘This place is excellent’: Russians fleeing war make new home in Serbia

Tens of thousands of Russians have settled in Serbia’s Belgrade since fleeing their homeland following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, many of them to avoid conscription, conflict or the politics of President Vladimir Putin. Russian restaurants, clubs and kindergartens have since sprung up across the Serbian capital. But while some have adapted well to their new life, others have struggled to integrate.

‘This place is excellent’: Russians fleeing war make new home in Serbia
Tens of thousands of Russians have settled in Serbia’s Belgrade since fleeing their homeland following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, many of them to avoid conscription, conflict or the politics of President Vladimir Putin. Russian restaurants, clubs and kindergartens have since sprung up across the Serbian capital. But while some have adapted well to their new life, others have struggled to integrate.