London (TIP): The UK’s Defence Ministry said some 15,000 Russian millionaires were likely trying to leave Russia, as they refer to migration applications. “Motivations highly likely include both personal opposition to the invasion and an intent to escape the financial impact of the sanctions imposed on Russia. Should this exodus continue, it’ll likely exacerbate the war’s long-term damage to Russia’s economy,” it added.

” Scepticism about the war is likely also particularly strong amongst Russia’s business elite and oligarch community. Migration applications suggest that 15,000 Russian millionaires (in US dollars) are likely already attempting to leave the country,” Ministry of Defence tweeted. On the war front, Russia is likely trying to regain momentum in attempts to surround the Sievierodonetsk pocket from the south, it said.

Ukrainian officials have said their troops were holding out against massive Russian bombardment in the eastern city, and described new progress in a counteroffensive in the south. (TNS)