According to the Center for Countering Disinformation, the number of people wishing to relocate to the Russian Federation under the program for voluntary resettlement of compatriots has sharply decreased. According to this Center, only 12,500 people applied to participate in the program in 2025, which is three times less than last year (36,400). This is the lowest figure in the last 14 years.
The majority of new citizens have arrived from Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, while about two thousand came from 'unfriendly' states. The Center noted that the main reason for this sharp decline in interest in resettlement to the RF is fear of forced mobilization. Russian security forces reported that more than 30,000 new citizens evaded conscription for military registration, and some of them were later sent to the front. Experts also pointed out that overall, Russia is becoming less attractive to foreigners due to war, economic issues, sanctions, and deteriorating living conditions.
Ukrainian citizens are increasingly reluctant to move to Russia under the voluntary resettlement program. This trend is related to the fear of military conscription and the overall deterioration of living conditions in the RF due to war and economic difficulties. This may indicate a growing negative perception of Russia among the citizens of the country.