In response to the war, Americans flee Russia in droves
Russia's war in Ukraine has prompted an exodus from Russia, including many Americans living there. Some had built a life stretching over decades. Now they don't know if they'll ever go back.
Journalist Michele Berdy arrived in Moscow shortly after graduating from Amherst College in 1978. On March 9, she caught a ride out of Russia with one suitcase, her dog Riley, and no idea when — or if — she might return. "Before I left, I cried 20 times a day. I just could not believe that I would have to leave and maybe not come back," Berdy said. When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, Berdy initially planned to stay put and keep working, an English-language newspaper, where the staff includes both Westerners and Russians.
