Q & A SERIES | Episode 3: Russians flocking to Armenia — Ukraine-Russia war or vacation?

For some Russians these scary and uncertain times — and for others it’s an opportunity to vacation in Armenia.

Since the start of the Ukraine-Russia war, thousands of Russians have been going to Armenia. Due to the Russian ruble inflation, Russians are leaving and going to Armenia for an unknown period of time.

Until February 2022, there was a large flow of Armenians going to Russia, but now it’s the opposite.

On the streets of Armenia, every 10th person is Russian.

Before March 8 sanctions, there were reportedly upwards of 42 flights a day from Moscow to Yerevan. Every 5-15 minutes an airplane was said to be landing in Armenia from Russia.

Many of the air buses in Russia are registered in European countries which has also fallen under the sanctions against Russia. Thus, the number of flights from Russia to Armenia have significantly decreased this week.

Now there are approximately 10 flights a day from Russia to Armenia and The Armenian Report is being told that out of 100 passengers only five are Armenian traveling into Armenia’s capital Yerevan.

The prices of flights from Moscow-Yerevan-Moscow have risen significantly in recent days. They have gone from $250 to $1250. Some airlines even charging upwards of $2000.

Locals tell The Armenian Report that the first thing they see Russians doing upon arrival are going to the ATM to retrieve money and finding a hotel or rental for their stay.

They are warned upon leaving the country to have cash with them.

Visa and Mastercard no longer work in Russia, so they go to Armenia to figure out how to retrieve cash.

After that, they transfer their money to local Armenians so they can pay rent in Armenia.

Additionally, they cannot withdraw more than $10,000 as President Putin has announced a limit.

Many are experiencing uncertainty, fear, and anger at the overall situation.

The influx of Russian visitors has also impacted the housing market in Armenia. Rentals across the Republic have increased by 20-30% in price.

In Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city where the Russian base is also located — the rental prices have doubled. Short term rentals for 3-6 months have gone from $250 to $500.

There are also many tech companies who are relocating their teams and offices to Armenia. They’re renting houses and living with 10-15 coworkers.

But majority are traveling with their entire family.

Most of the Russians we heard from say they will wait to return after the Russian ruble has recovered a little bit.

There are no official numbers being released from the Armenian government as to how many Russians have travelled to Armenia since the war started. But given the number of flights and the streets of Armenia — it’s evident the number is in the thousands.

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The Armenian Report hit the streets of Yerevan to ask the Russian visitors about their stay in Armenia.

Everyone we spoke with said it’s a wonderful place with great food and fantastic people.

Amongst the Russian visitors, we also came across a few people from Belarus.

Many of the people were afraid to speak and comment on the war. While others openly condemned the war, there were a couple of people who defended President Putin and hoped that they will win this war.

There are no official numbers being released from the Armenian government as to how many Russians have travelled to Armenia since the war started. But given the number of flights and the streets of Armenia — it’s evident the number is in the thousands.

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