DSD doesn’t want to go to Russia (I don’t blame her)

[CatherineEarnshawsGhost]

Hello,

Just wanted to see what others think about this situation.

DSD (11) has three passports - A European one from her dad (not British, an EU), an Australian one and a Russian one. My DH’s exW is Russian and is planning a trip to visit family in the Urals during the Summer holidays. DSD’s mum is now in the process of renewing their Russian passports as I guess they have both lapsed.

I suppose it’ll be a bit of a rigmarole to get there as they’ll have to fly via Turkey to get to Moscow. When they do get there I think they’d have to rely on cash (Rubles) as western bank cards won’t work and their British phones will probably have to be switched off in advance because when the Russian phone company detects a UK phone number on their network they are likely to become highly suspicious and track that phone (I work in telecoms, this isn’t unfounded paranoia they can do this so probably will).

Now that DSD is aware of the plan she’s voicing the fact that she’s feeling a bit nervous at the prospect of going. Honestly I don’t blame her. DH is also quite worried and would rather they don’t risk it, but doesn’t want to stop his DD from seeing her GPs and GGM who is 89 (I think). Overall DH wants what’s best for his DD so that would probably mean not going to a hostile country which is currently at odds with the west. He’s just needs to diplomatically approach his exW for the best outcome (no idea how he does that so I’ll leave it to him).

AIBU for being a bit nervous about seeing DSD go off to Russia?

Anyone else experienced this (unlikely but just checking)

Thanks!

If the borders get completely closed

Don't think it will happen as Russia is huge and have borders with such countries as China, Kazahstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, etc who take neutral position

There is some mad Scottish woman called Wandering Emma on YouTube who seems to get a kick out of visiting dangerous places (Afghanistan and Iraq before, that I watched and were very interesting) She has been in Russia for the last month and seems to be having a whale of a time without any issues, but that doesn't sit well with me morally. Once you watch one video like this YT throws up a host of others as well.

@malapast thanks for your response.

Argh, sorry I don’t want to be negative online but that YouTuber you describe sounds awful. I really hate this kind of voyeuristic tourism, it makes me feel a bit ill actually. Going to lots of places which are going through massive unrest and upheaval with, I imagine, lots of suffering of the general population, disenfranchisement and so on (see Iran and Afghanistan) and generating content from this state of affairs. I really hate it. Feels like the worst kind of post-internet colonialism (‘for the likes’) if you ask me…

@JTro travel insurance is not just for minor illnesses which can be dealt at the local medical centre. In case of a serious accident/injury you may need medical flight (costs tens of thousands) back to UK or spend months stuck in a hospital in Moscow. Will DSD’s mum manage financially if they need to stay there indefinitely because of illness or accident?

It’s same with people travelling within EU and thinking Ehic/Ghic card will be enough when it really isn’t if you end up in a serious car accident or worse.

Dear @CatherineEarnshawsGhost, did your DSD manage to go ok to Russia and come back safely?

Thanks for bumping Luna, I was just thinking about this thread the other day but couldn't find it