Russian web searches for passports and « emigration » also skyrocketed immediately after Putin’s speech Wednesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement Wednesday that he is calling in military reserves to reinforce his troops in Ukraine reportedly led to a surge of Russians purchasing one-way plane tickets to leave the country, pushing economy class flight prices to more than $9,000 in some cases.
Putin suggested the war in Ukraine is about to escalate significantly, saying the « partial mobilization » of reserve forces will take place immediately. He also appeared to again threaten using nuclear weapons, saying Russia will do everything in its power to defend territories it believes belong to it, while warning that « those who are trying to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the wind can turn in their direction.
