Weighing reputational and moral consequences of leaving Russia / staying

Question

I've been thinking a lot about whether I should consider emigrating to another country (currently I'm in Russia). I'm not involved in politics or the military action, but I can't help but feel implicated by my government's actions as a citizen here. Specifically, the increasing authoritarianism and human rights issues worry me. On the other hand, I have family and (very few) friends in Russia, plus clearer studying opportunities, and I'm not sure if I want to leave that behind; also, Russia is my home - I'm unsure whether this might be important.I'm a software engineer in my 20s living in Moscow, with self-employment and quite stable income. I'm interested in building global startups, so I'm worried about the reputation of my future company(ies) in the context of remaining in Russia for so long. Meanwhile, I'd prefer to continue cooperating with my (small) Russian social circle. But I'm unsure they have my better interests in mind (so I'd also like advice on how to determine that, if possible).I'm looking for perspectives from this community on the moral and other considerations and responsibilities I have as an individual. Mainly I worry about global reputation of myself and my (future) companies. Should I continue my life here as usual? Should I keep contacts and cooperation with acquaintances/friends (some of whom might be potential business partners) who remain? (Btw, I somewhat worry that I could absorb some of their differing beliefs which could make me less effective.) Is there anything constructive I can do if I stay? Or is leaving the country and minimizing contacts the only ethical choice?Curious to hear thoughts. I'm especially interested in advice on how to weigh all this from those with more experience in similar situations.I don't have strong opinions yet, so please share a variety of perspectives. Mostly looking for help in thinking this through in a thoughtful way during a confusing time.

DrSiemer · Accepted Answer

One of my colleagues emigrated from Russia shortly before certain "military operations" began and although her choice to move was not motivated by those, she is glad to be out on time.
That being said, it is tough on her to be away from her family, especially since it is now quite difficult and costly to meet up with any of them. She has also noticed an increasing gap between herself and those members of her family that blindly follow the gospel of the current regime.
As for determining if your social circle has your best interest at heart, it could be a translation issue, but if you ask a question like that I'd say you already know the answer. With real friends there should not be any doubt. Could be that's just my Western privilege speaking though. A big part of Mao's strategy to control the population was to make them all mistrust each other. It wouldn't surprise me if Russia is going through a similar playbook right now.
For more practical experience from someone in the process of going through immigration, I've been following Roman [1] since long before all this started and his perspective has been very insightful to me as an outsider.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/@roman_nfkrz

rdmreader3319 · Answer

Please visit the cities or countries you have in mind first, because I don't see a single country in the West which is still appealing, maybe Switzerland (Lausanne is great but not Geneva). Here in France you need luck and money to live in a city without too much violence and crime but with good business opportunities. It consumes your mind to be exposed to such ugliness on a daily basis.It's funny because I'm afraid to raise my kids here and I'm thinking to move to Russia (or Switzerland) to avoid them to study in a Western city (they already speak Russian).