Leaving Russia doesn’t necessarily mean leaving trouble behind. Fortunately, help is out there: Meduza has compiled a list of organizations that support Russians abroad.

Life abroad presents numerous challenges for Russians, from adapting to unfamiliar laws and customs to mastering a new language. There are also difficulties in defending one's rights, such as when a bank unfairly freezes their account or authorities deny them essential documents. Many emigrants feel they are entirely on their own, but this is not the case. Meduza has identified several organizations and initiatives that assist Russians living or wishing to leave Russia.

Kovcheg, launched shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, began as a legal aid bot on Telegram, evolving into a comprehensive support system. It offers language courses, career guidance, guides on obtaining legal residency and citizenship, starting a business, finding work, and applying to universities. Kovcheg also maintains over 50 chat groups focused on various countries and professional fields, along with Kovcheg.Business, hosting in-person meetups.

Equal Post Ost focuses on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, providing emergency housing in the EU, legal aid, psychological counseling, evacuation assistance, and support for political prisoners. Reforum Space, established by the Free Russia Foundation, provides a free coworking space, video studios, and resources for anti-war activists, journalists, human rights defenders, cultural professionals, and scholars in Berlin, Vilnius, and Paris.

Other organizations aiding emigrants include The Mir Vsem movement, which supports clergy in Russia and abroad facing persecution for their anti-war stance; inTransit, which evacuates people from Russia to Georgia, Armenia, Montenegro, and Kazakhstan; and the NC SOS crisis group, among others. Helsinki Citizens' Assembly, Vanadzor, and Idite Lesom are prominent human rights organizations that offer legal aid to Russians detained in Armenia, help individuals avoid military service, and provide assistance in leaving Russia. New residency rules in Armenia may make it increasingly challenging for Russians to relocate there.

Additionally, Russian authorities have labeled several groups as "foreign agents," including Idite Lesom, launched by former homeless assistance organization Nochlezhka director Grigory Sverdlin. This project has assisted over 85,000 people in avoiding mobilization or deserting the military since its inception four years ago. Other groups offering legal aid to emigrants in Europe include Iskra, Consuls of the Russian Anti-War Committee, and Gorizonty Exilhilfe.