The number of Russian citizens with valid residence permits in the European Union rose to 876,600 by the end of 2025, up about 105,000 since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to a Euronews analysis of Eurostat figures.
Germany has the largest Russian community, with about 218,000 residents, followed by Spain and Estonia. Spain, Cyprus and Portugal saw some of the fastest growth, while Latvia, Estonia and the Czech Republic recorded falls after tightening migration rules and raising security concerns.
Outside the EU, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Georgia have also taken in large numbers. Researchers say the latest wave of departures, since this spring, has been driven by fears of a new mobilisation. Those leaving are mostly young, well-educated couples, many working in IT, engineering, academia or journalism.
Source: Euronews
