Lead

Applications from Russian compatriots in Germany seeking relocation to Russia have increased 2.5-fold in recent years, according to Igor Chaika, head of Rossotrudnichestvo, Russia's federal agency for CIS affairs, compatriots abroad, and international humanitarian cooperation. Chaika spoke to reporters after a meeting with compatriots and foreign nationals who had relocated to Russia from Canada, Latvia, and Germany.

Coverage Comparison

The reports, both from TASS, present the same core figures and quotes. The first, published June 10, focuses on Chaika's remarks about the surge in German applications and overall relocation statistics. The second, dated June 2, quotes Alexander Stefanesko, an entrepreneur and founder of the Ruspatriaton platform and Time to Russia agency, offering a forward-looking perspective on European interest in moving to Russia. Both articles carry an optimistic tone regarding Russia as a destination, with Stefanesko explicitly attributing the trend to a worsening situation in Europe.

Key Claims

  • Applications from Russian compatriots in Germany seeking relocation to Russia have increased 2.5-fold in recent years, as reported by Chaika at a June 10 meeting with compatriots.
  • A total of 27,000 people relocated to Russia from abroad in 2025, and 35,000 applications were submitted, according to Chaika. He noted that countries of the "so-called collective West" now account for the largest share of applicants.
  • The meeting, as described by Rossotrudnichestvo to TASS, covered practical aspects of supporting compatriots and foreign nationals who have already relocated to Russia and share Russia's traditional spiritual and moral values. Participants identified current issues affecting support for new arrivals and outlined possible areas of cooperation between the agency, regional authorities, public organizations, and employers.
  • Stefanesko predicted that the number of people looking to move from European countries to Russia will grow in the coming years. He said, "The flow of those wishing to relocate from Europe to Russia will increase - I am absolutely sure of that. It will grow as rapidly as the situation in Europe is worsening. Unfortunately, this is the case. Even though authorities in European countries warn their citizens against staying in Russia, we can see that the situation in our country is different from how it is described in the West."
  • Stefanesko added that the relocation process usually takes two to three years, and he sees learning the Russian language and adapting to new urban environments as the biggest obstacles preventing foreigners from moving.