Russian Ice Skater Finds New Home in Serbia Amidst Cultural Resurgence

Vadim Morus, a Russian ice skater, relocated to Belgrade in 2022 due to the Ukraine war. Fleeing oppressive conditions, he joins a wave of Russians who have revived their cultural presence in Serbia. Despite challenges, they've established a vibrant community, integrating various businesses and cultural outlets.

On a sweltering summer morning in Serbia's capital Belgrade, Vadim Morus, a professional ice skater from Russia, glides across an outdoor rink. Morus is 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from his native Moscow but is beginning to feel at home.

Fleeing Russia with his fiancée in 2022, Morus joins tens of thousands who came to Serbia following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Many Russians chose Belgrade due to its deep cultural and religious ties to Moscow. 'There are few ice skaters in Serbia who can train others, so I have plenty of Serbian students,' said Morus, 24. Since the war started in Ukraine in February 2022, Russians fleeing conflict and political oppression have established a significant presence in Serbia, per interviews with immigrants and officials.

Although the number of Russians in Serbia is smaller compared to countries like Germany, their impact in Belgrade, a city of under two million people, is palpable. Russian-owned clubs, schools, and medical practices have emerged. Russians sustain their lifestyle by shopping at Russian stores, and Russian entertainment thrives in local venues.

Between February 2022 and mid-2023, more than 30,000 Russians registered for temporary residence in Serbia, according to the latest interior ministry data. This influx resulted in the establishment of 11,081 Russian businesses, ranging from internet services to hospitality. Viktor, a 42-year-old veterinarian from St. Petersburg, fled Russian conscription in the fall of 2022. Lacking Serbian qualifications, he works as a handyman exclusively for Russians.

'I repair plumbing, electrical installations, windows, and even make furniture. I don't really need Serbian customers,' said Viktor. The historical ties between Serbia and Russia persist, even as Serbia seeks to join the European Union, which condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Following World War I, anti-Communist White Russians also sought refuge in Serbia.

Assimilation remains challenging for many, who prefer to maintain a mini Russia in Serbia. Ironically, many Serbians support Putin, unlike the emigrants. 'The call of Russian culture is too strong for Russian emigrants to want to fit into their new society, whether Serbian or Western,' said political scientist Aleksandar Djokic. Morus, the ice skater, hesitated to discuss his reasons for leaving Russia, but his fiancée Alexandra Mashkanova explained, 'We left due to ideological reasons. A few days after February 24, we were trying to understand what was happening, and then we decided to leave.'

(With inputs from agencies.)