Old Believers who relocated from Brazil to Russia are facing significant hardships, including failed crops and lack of government support, leading some to consider returning to Brazil.
The Old Believers who moved from Brazil to the Russian Far East in 2021 are now confronting serious challenges that jeopardize their agricultural livelihoods. These challenges include poor crop yields caused by heavy rains in 2024, plummeting global prices for their produce, and export tariffs on soybeans. The group's leaders have publicly declared distress, noting that the assistance promised by the Kremlin has not materialized, leaving them in a very precarious situation.
The ongoing issues faced by the Old Believers highlight broader challenges associated with migration and settling in Russia. While the initiative to bring them back was aimed at revitalizing certain regions and fostering a sense of cultural kinship, the reality has proven to be much harsher than anticipated. Reports from the members indicate that not only are they struggling economically, but the social integration into Russian society has also become increasingly difficult.
Their plight has raised concerns about the effectiveness of government support programs and the genuine ability of the Russian regime to fulfill its promises to ethnic minorities and diasporas. As many Old Believers contemplate returning to Brazil, these developments may lead to wider discussions about immigration policies and support systems for displaced communities in Russia.
