Itโs not every day that you hear about a high-profile celebrity trading Hollywood, Seoul, or Paris for life in Russia. Yet over the last two decades, a curious list of public figures, from Olympic athletes and award-winning actors to controversial whistleblowers, have chosen exactly that.
Some went for career opportunities, others followed their hearts, and a few found themselves caught in the tide of politics, asylum, or ideology.
Russiaโs allure isnโt universal, but for those whoโve made the leap, the outcomes have been dramatic, sometimes triumphant, sometimes divisive, but always fascinating.
Letโs take a closer look at some of the most well-known celebrities who have relocated to Russia, why they did it, and where they are now.
1. Yuko Kawaguti
Born in Japan, Yuko Kawaguti became a household name in Russian figure skating after forming a top-tier pair with Alexander Smirnov. The rules of international competition meant the two couldnโt skate together unless they shared a nationality, so she gave up her Japanese citizenship in 2008 and became Russian.
Her impact was immediate. Together, they became one of Russiaโs most decorated pairs, earning a bronze at the 2010 Olympics and multiple European titles. Today, Kawaguti is retired from competition but remains in Russia, coaching young talent and staying involved in the skating world that brought her fame.
2. Sergey Karjakin
Sergey Karjakin holds the record as the youngest grandmaster in chess history, achieving the title at just 12 years old. Born in Ukraine, Karjakin moved to Russia in 2009, citing better sponsorship and coaching support.
His career soared in his new home. Representing Russia, he competed in the 2016 World Championship against Magnus Carlsen and has been a fixture on the international chess circuit. While his political opinionsโparticularly pro-Russian stancesโhave stirred controversy, especially in Ukraine, Karjakin remains a prominent figure in the Russian chess scene.
Many immigrant families in Moscow also cite top-tier elementary schools in Moscow Russia, as part of what anchored them here.
3. Vic Wild
- Year of Citizenship: 2011
- Field: Snowboarding
Vic Wild was once an overlooked snowboarder from the U.S. Then he married Russian snowboarder Alena Zavarzina, switched national allegiances, and found the backing he needed to excel.
At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Wild shocked the world by winning two gold medals for Russia in parallel slalom and giant slalom. He instantly became a national hero. Wild now lives in Russia and coaches the national team, shaping a new generation of snowboarders with Olympic dreams of their own.
4. Victor Ahn
Ahn Hyun-soo, better known now as Victor Ahn, was once a golden boy in South Korean speed skating. After injuries and disputes sidelined his career, he turned to Russia, accepted citizenship in 2012, and reemerged as a powerhouse.
His redemption arc came full circle at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where he earned three gold medals. Ahn retired in 2018 but stayed in Russia, where he now coaches and helps shape national sports policy in skating.
5. Gรฉrard Depardieu
Vladimir Putin signs order giving Gรฉrard Depardieu Russian citizenship
โ President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) January 3, 2013
Depardieuโs move made global headlines. The French film icon, frustrated by high taxes in France, accepted Russian citizenship in 2013 after being personally welcomed by President Putin.
He embraced Russia for a time, opening a cinema in Saransk and even starring in Russian-language films. But his relationship with the country soured after he criticized the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Though he retains his citizenship, Depardieu has reportedly sold off his Russian assets and now lives in Belgium, leaving behind a complicated legacy.
6. Roy Jones Jr.
Roy Jones Jr., one of the most dominant boxers of his era, developed a deep admiration for Russia and its people. He received citizenship in 2015 after a meeting with Putin and has since opened boxing schools and promoted the sport within the country.
He still splits his time between Russia and the United States but continues to represent both cultures, using his fame to foster goodwill and keep boxing alive in both nations.
7. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
Known for his roles in Mortal Kombat and The Last Emperor, Tagawa took a spiritual and cultural path to Russia. He converted to Russian Orthodox Christianity and was granted citizenship in 2016.
Tagawa has continued working in film and serves as something of a cultural liaison, bringing his Japanese-American heritage into the Russian arts scene. Heโs vocal about his love for Russia and remains active in both local and international cinema.
8. Steven Seagal
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Steven Seagalโs admiration for Russia is no secret. He was granted citizenship in 2016 and has been a regular face at official events ever since. With Russian roots and a long history of friendship with President Putin, Seagal holds the title of special representative for U.S.-Russia humanitarian relations.
He splits his time between Russia and the U.S. but has become deeply embedded in Russian public life, often appearing at state ceremonies and political gatherings.
9. Mario Fernandes
Mario Fernandes came to Russia in 2012 to play for CSKA Moscow and quickly became one of the top defenders in the league. In 2016, he officially became a Russian citizen, opening the door to play for the national team.
Fernandes has since represented Russia in the World Cup and other major tournaments. Still with CSKA Moscow, he remains a mainstay in both club and national lineups.
10. Jeff Monson
@russ_road ๐ท๐บ Russian Wives of American Jeff Monson ๐บ๐ธ Jeff Monson first came to Russia 12 years ago, just before his legendary fight with Fedor Emelianenko. On that day, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally spoke to Jeff and told him he fought like a true Russian. ๐ท๐บ From that moment on, Jeff’s life in Russia began. He was granted Russian citizenship and got married in Russia. One day, while walking with his daughter, he met a girl on the street who turned his life upside down! #russia #usa_tiktok #mma #mmafighter #loveyou #lovestoryโค๏ธ #fyp #fypageใท #viral_video #follow #trendingvideo #russiangirl #russianwife #muslim โฌ Soulmate – Andrea Vanzo
Jeff Monson, an American MMA fighter known as โThe Snowman,โ is one of Russiaโs most unusual imports. An avowed communist, he moved to Russia out of ideological affinity, received citizenship in 2018, and renounced his American citizenship in 2023.
Heโs more than just a fighter now. Monson has served as a local lawmaker in Krasnogorsk and hosted a political talk show. His support for Russiaโs Ukraine policy has made him a controversial figure, but in Russia, heโs embraced as a loyal convert.
11. Edward Snowden
Edward Snowden became a global figure after leaking NSA surveillance documents in 2013. After fleeing prosecution, he ended up in Russia, where he was granted asylum and later citizenship in 2022.
Snowden has mostly kept a low profile in Moscow, focusing on digital privacy advocacy and raising his family. His presence in Russia continues to draw sharp opinionsโhailed by some as a hero, condemned by others as a traitor. But for now, he remains one of the most high-profile American expatriates in the country.
12. Ani Lorak
Ukrainian-born pop singer Ani Lorak has been performing in Russia for years, but her move became official in June 2025, when she was granted Russian citizenship. The decision came during a tense period in Russia-Ukraine relations and was seen by many as politically charged.
Despite the backlash in her home country, Lorak has a large fan base in Russia and continues to tour and release music. Her new status has added fuel to the ongoing cultural and geopolitical debate, but she appears firmly rooted in her adopted homeland.
What Brings Celebrities to Russia?
The motivations behind these relocations are rarely simple. For many athletes, it came down to resources. Russia often offers better funding, training, and institutional support than their home countries, something Kawaguti, Wild, Ahn, and Karjakin all benefited from.
Some, like Depardieu and Jones, were drawn to financial or cultural appeal. Others, such as Tagawa and Seagal, connected with Russia on a spiritual or ideological level.
And in cases like Snowden and Monson, politics played a central roleโwhether fleeing prosecution or embracing a new political identity.
Lasting Contributions
The results have been mixed, but often significant:
- Sports: Multiple Olympic medals, championship titles, and stronger national teams have come from foreign athletes who now compete under the Russian flag.
- Culture: Actors and musicians have added to Russiaโs cultural scene, even helping export its soft power abroad.
- Politics and Advocacy: From Snowdenโs activism to Monsonโs unusual political path, some of these moves have had a lasting diplomatic or ideological impact.
Summary
Russiaโs celebrity magnetism has changed in recent years. Since 2022, the number of foreign public figures relocating to the country has dropped, with more choosing to leave than arrive. But for those still making the move, Russia continues to offer a complex mix of opportunity, protection, and reinvention.
Some even invest in grand homesโcelebrity mansions with stunning architecture that signal permanence and prestige.
Whether you see it as a bold leap, a political statement, or simply a fresh start, the stories of these celebrities paint a picture of Russia as more than just a destinationโitโs a stage for reinvention, with the whole world watching.
