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The searches began to surge in late 2025.
A growing number of Russians appear to be reconsidering their future inside the country.
According to the independent Russian outlet Verstka, Google Trends data shows a noticeable increase in searches related to emigration, including queries like “how to leave Russia.”
Interest in such searches had declined steadily after the September 2022 mobilization, reaching a low point by early 2025.
However, the trend began to reverse toward the end of 2025. By January 2026, search activity had surged, with early March figures nearing earlier peak levels.
Russia’s domestic search engine Yandex reflects a similar pattern, though the increase appears more gradual than the spike seen on Google.
Blackouts spread
The renewed interest comes amid widespread disruptions to mobile internet access across the country.
Monitoring groups report more than 11,900 shutdowns nationwide over a seven-month period starting in May 2025.
By the end of that year, Russia ranked first globally for the number of internet blackouts, affecting around 146 million people.
In March, restrictions intensified in Moscow. Residents in central areas have reported near-total loss of connectivity, while other districts often limit access to a narrow range of state-approved websites.
Tightening control
According to Ukrainian state-run outlet United24Media, Russian authorities have linked the measures to security concerns. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine is using “ever more sophisticated methods for attacks,” warning citizens to expect “long-term outages.”
On February 20, President Vladimir Putin signed legislation allowing the Federal Security Service (FSB) to order telecom providers to suspend services. Companies are exempt from liability during such disruptions.
At the same time, a nationwide “white list” system has been rolled out, restricting access to pre-approved digital platforms and communication channels.
Economic impact
Officials had promised a smooth transition, but the rollout has caused significant disruption. Reports indicate connectivity issues across 71 regions.
In Moscow, outages and limited access in central districts have hindered business activity. Analysts estimate the local economy lost billions of rubles within days due to the restrictions.
The combination of tightening controls and declining digital access appears to be shaping public behavior, as more Russians explore options beyond the country’s borders.
Sources: Verstka, Google Trends, United24Media
