Since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war, many Russian expatriates have been living in a state of separation and grief, finding themselves unable to return to their homeland for security reasons. In this context, three of these expatriates recount their personal experiences with the loss of loved ones and how they cope with feelings of loss far from their families.
Among them is Peter Trofimov, who moved to Germany just three weeks before receiving the news of his father's death in Saint Petersburg. He never imagined that the war would change the course of his life in such a way, as he was studying for a PhD at Moscow State University and planned to seek work abroad after graduating in 2024.
Details of the Event
Trofimov, who relocated to Bamberg in Germany, describes how his decision to move was impulsive after the war began. When he learned of his father's passing, he was still trying to adapt to his new life, making it even more difficult for him. He says, "If circumstances were different, I could have easily traveled from Moscow to Saint Petersburg."
However, returning to Russia has become an almost impossible task, as direct flights between Russia and Germany ceased after the war broke out. Trofimov had to confront the loss of his father without the ability to say goodbye in person, which intensified his feelings of isolation and sorrow.
Background & Context
Estimates suggest that between 650,000 and 1,000,000 people left Russia after the onset of the war in Ukraine in early 2022. Not all of them planned to stay abroad for an extended period, but the war drastically altered their plans. Many of these expatriates face psychological and social challenges due to the loss of family and friends under abnormal circumstances.
Olga Harlamova, a psychologist in Munich, points out that loss begins with migration itself. She states, "We often do not realize this, so we do not go through the grieving process properly." She adds that loss accumulates with the loss of jobs and social circles, complicating the process of dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Impact & Consequences
Polina Gundmain, founder of a psychological support organization for migrants, shares her personal experience after losing her parents. She says, "I couldn't return to Russia to say goodbye to them, and I felt orphaned in that moment." She adds that working in the field of psychological support did not help her overcome her grief but rather heightened her awareness of the pain she is experiencing.
Gundmain emphasizes that time does not heal everything, and the pain can persist. "My mind acknowledges that my parents have passed, but I cannot process it further, as it would destroy me," she states. She believes that open communication with family can help alleviate anxiety about their loss.
Regional Significance
These experiences resonate with the reality of many Arabs living in the diaspora, who also face challenges of loss and separation. Just as Russian expatriates suffer from the loss of their homeland and loved ones, Arabs living abroad encounter similar challenges, especially amid political and social crises in their countries.
Ultimately, feelings of loss remain a part of the human experience, whether in Russia or elsewhere. Communities must become more aware of the importance of psychological and social support for expatriates, especially in times of crisis.