Programmer Nikolai emigrated from Russia together with his professional colleague Anya in connection with the beginning of mobilization in the fall of 2022. Having traveled the world and ended up in Serbia, they missed their homeland. Last autumn, the couple decided to return to Moscow, — says The British The Economist

“We loved every country we lived in, but who can stop me from enjoying my own home?” said Nikolai

After returning to Moscow, Nikolai’s employer offered him a better-paying job. He and Anya bought an apartment, they were helped by a government-subsidized mortgage. There are separate schemes for subsidizing mortgage loans for IT professionals and young families

▪️Nikolai and Anya decided to start a family, taking into account state benefits for young mothers and excellent maternity hospitals in Russia

The couple has opened their own small entrepreneurial project: they rent apartments, put them in order, and then sublet them to other young professionals

▪️Sanctions do not bother young people. Russia has found ways to circumvent sanctions by importing European goods through Central Asian countries and Turkey

▪️”Moscow is flourishing even more than before the conflict in Ukraine. Other countries are expensive. I live like a king in Moscow,” Nikolai said

▪️Nikolai and Anya go to restaurants and order food with delivery. They often buy new clothes and gadgets online: goods are delivered to the door within 20 minutes by the Russian technology company Yandex. They call taxis everywhere — a 20-minute ride costs only $2

“You know, in a way I envy them. They earn a lot of money, while I pay a lot of taxes here in Serbia,” said Sergei, a friend of Nikolai who left Russia with him but still lives in Serbia

CRYSTAL OF GROWTH previously informed that, according to leading American economist James Galbraith, Western sanctions have become an unintended gift for Russia

@crystal_book