Mini Russia Grows In Serbia As Thousands Flee the War In Ukraine

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thousands of Russians have sought refuge in Serbia, with Belgrade becoming home to a thriving Russian community. Over 30,000 Russians have registered for temporary residence in Serbia, contributing to various sectors like hospitality, internet services, and even sports schools.

A Growing Russian Community
Russians in Serbia have created a mini Russia in Belgrade, complete with Russian-owned clubs, galleries, kindergartens, and shops. Cultural performances, including concerts and comedy shows by Russian artists, are also becoming common.

Vadim Morus, a 27-year-old ice skater from Moscow, has found a new life in Serbia, teaching skating to Serbian students. He is one of many who left Russia due to the conflict and rising tensions in the country. His fiancée, Alexandra Mashkanova, explained their decision: “We left due to ideological reasons… trying to understand what was happening after February 24, and then we decided to leave.”

Challenges of Integration
Despite their presence, many Russians in Serbia struggle to integrate into Serbian society. While they enjoy cultural and historical ties between the two nations, many prefer to preserve their identity and live within a distinct Russian community. Viktor, a 42-year-old vet from St. Petersburg, fled Russian mobilization but now works as a handyman for fellow Russians in Belgrade. “I don’t really need Serbian customers,” Viktor explained, emphasizing the isolation many Russians experience despite their shared history with Serbia.

Historical Ties
Serbia has long been connected to Russia through shared religion and history, especially after World War I when White Russians fled to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. Today, the relationship between the two nations remains friendly, although Serbia seeks to align more closely with the European Union, which has condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

The Cultural Call
Aleksandar Djokic, a Belgrade-based political scientist, notes that many Russian immigrants are drawn to maintain their cultural identity: “The call of Russian culture is too strong for Russian emigrants in the first generation to even want to fit into the society in which they found themselves.”

While Serbia offers safety and opportunities for Russians fleeing war, for many, it’s a place where they continue to live in the shadow of their homeland.