Russia panic as residents sell up and flee war torn island loved by Putin | World | News
Russians are fleeing Crimea in droves to escape the resort island that has become a brutal war zone. The peninsula has always been a favorite holiday destination for Russians, both during the Soviet period and after the collapse of the Soviets.
Vladimir Putin spent a lot of time enjoying his seaside paradise, staying at the Crimea complex, a luxury state residence. The region has been of particular importance to Russian leaders throughout the ages due to its strategic importance. Putin sparked a resurgence of Russian nationalism when he illegally annexed Crimea in 2014.
The Kremlin quickly invoked historical and religious arguments to defend its aggressive takeover of the region.
In his speech after the annexation, Putin argued that the peninsula has a “sacred and civilizational” meaning for Russia.
He claimed that this was the baptismal site of Vladimir the Great, the former Prince of Kiev who converted his people to Christianity.
Putin said the peninsula had always been “an integral part of Russia” and was taken away from Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Following the annexation, Russians flocked to the peninsula to seize properties in their holiday paradise. But Crimea was quickly militarized and became the target of constant Ukrainian missile and drone attacks that devastated the island.
More than half of new Russian property owners are trying to sell or rent their apartments, real estate agents say.
“Residents from Siberia, the Urals and even the Moscow suburbs are increasingly contacting us to sell or rent their property,” a Crimean real estate agent told OBOZ.
“Neither they nor their children can stand the constant air raid alerts, let alone the explosions. Some told me their children were starting to panic.
“They are disturbed by the military bases literally scattered along the southern coast of Crimea.”
Moreover, the war has made it difficult for people to find work, and those who are available do not pay salaries to Moscow.
