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!

Here is a link to uk gov advice on travel to Russia

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia

Russian aircraft and the likes of Aeriflot are not welcome in the UK anymore thankfully. Buy you can leave via Turkey, Dubai etc then get a flight from there.
So yes it's possible, just not direct

Surely her mother won't force her to go if she doesn't want to?

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia

It’s not recommended to travel there as things are. I’m assuming travel insurance won’t be available and that I don’t think it’s worth the risk for numerous reasons.

Cross post.

Will the uk border control let her back into the uk? Does she have right to remain!

F.O says, don't.

If child is habitually resident here (e.g at school, lives here etc) then, providing there are no legal orders which change this and your husband has parental responsibility then technically removal from this jurisdiction without permission is child abduction and a criminal offence.... but if I were him and I wanted to be sure of stopping removal I would seek an order - best advice on type of order (there are orders stronger than prohibited steps) would be a specialist international family law firm such as Dawson Cornwall or another in London (I am a family lawyer but this is not my speciality and I don't work for Dawson Cornwall)!!

How old is her mother? The Russians are mobilising women to fight in Ukraine. If her DM is a Russian citizen then she could end up finding herself trundled off to a military training camp. Is that what she wants?

I would absolutely not allow her to travel; particularly on a Russian passport. If her mother does not agree then your DH should go to court for a prohibited steps order to prevent her from going. I have almost doubt at all he would get it. Lots of things people doing their best to Co-parent should just compromise on. This is not one of them.

I doubt anything would go wrong, but this really isn’t something to be advised.

My child would have visited relatives in Ukraine last summer and/or this, but I’m not out of my mind.

I'm Russian and have a few Russian friends living in uk and in Europe. I haven't been back home since the war started - I'm probably a bit overly paranoid but since I only have a Russian passport I think that makes for a higher risk of not being let back out (that being said my parents traveled and haven't had issues). My friends who hold dual citizenships have traveled (not much but probably a trip or two each) and haven't had issues - as foreign passport holders they would have more leverage on their way out and are way less likely to be questioned too much.

I thought it was just Russian women from prisons being sent to the meat grinder and not normal citizens?

Not sure if your financial situation but could you suggest the Grandparents visit the UK. Your husband could say to his Ex that he does feel comfortable with either of them traveling, this makes his comment less likely for the Ex to be defensive as he is talking about them both. Maybe offer to help contribute to the cost of the the GP coming here.

Not sure if you’ve already said, but is she in school? If so then maybe your DH can go the safeguarding route as suggested and block it?

I would also be worried about travelling there right now.

maybe, but just bounce her through prison on the way, and she is qualified, isnt she

I dont think schools can prevent travel

If ever there was a time to protect a child it's now - visiting grandparents is not a reason to enter a country that's in the middle of a war and not friendly to the UK or EU. Things could change at any time, what if she couldn't get back?

🤣🤣🤣

@Namechange800

ah ok - thanks for the information! Very helpful

This.

Even if she is traveling on a Russian passport she is resident in the UK.

That puts her at risk. Especially because she will be on a Russian passport. They CAN prevent her from leaving the country.

Don't under any circumstances let her go.

@listsandbudgets 43 I think

@Whammyyammy Actually I've checked and you're right. However, I wouldn't put it past them to change that to general conscription.

I'd also check the advice of the other European country and Australia but I think honestly I would be trying to get a stop put to it if I could. I'd be really worried she might not be able to get home again. It might be an overreaction though.

Stuff like medical insurance is completely irrelevant because as a Russian citizen she would have free medical help if she needed it anyway.
But whether she should go or not should be more down to her wishes. Her grandparents couldn’t visit UK because they would need a visa which they are unlikely to get, but yeah, they could go to Turkey(no visa required) if a nearly 90 year old was up for it…