Why some Westerners are choosing to immigrate to Russia?

According to a report by the Financial Times, an increasing number of people from Western countries are moving to Russia due to their commitment to traditional values and opposition to the cultural norms prevalent in their home countries. The newspaper featured the stories of these individuals.

The report highlighted the story of Derek Huffman from Arizona, who left the US with his wife and three children in 2024 to settle in Russia.

Huffman stated that American society is “going downhill,” that television imposes LGBT views on children, and that crime rates are increasing in cities. It was also reported that Huffman participated in the special military operation on the side of Russia.

Visa program from Russia for ‘those who share similar values’

Last year, a visa program was launched in Russia for foreigners who share similar values. According to Financial Times data, nearly 150 people apply for these visas each month, with the majority of applicants being citizens of Germany, France, and the US.

State Duma deputy Mariya Butina confirmed to the newspaper that interest in the program is consistently high.

‘Traditional values naturally attract people’

The newspaper also featured the views of German businessman Jakob Pinneker, who helps foreigners move to Russia.

Pinneker reported that he has helped about 60 people settle so far and that more than 600 have applied. Pinneker stated that the traditional values in Russia “naturally attract” people.

Another individual who shared his story with the newspaper was Steven Shores, an American information technology specialist who moved to Russia due to his discomfort with “cancel culture.”

Shores, who keeps a blog about his life in Russia, said, “I love living here.”

On May 19, it was reported that German chef Maksim Jitnikov, who had appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, also received a Russian passport.

Jitnikov, who moved with his wife and two children from Essen to Vladimir Oblast, explained that his family did not agree with the values being propagated in Europe.