Russians are fleeing Crimea in their droves, as they seek to escape the holiday island that has become a brutal war zone. The peninsula has always been a favourite holiday destination for Russians – both during the Soviet period and after its demise.

Vladimir Putin has spent much time enjoying the seaside paradise, staying at the Crimean complex, a luxury state residence. The territory has held particular significance for Russian leaders throughout the ages, due to its strategic importance. Putin fuelled a resurgence of Russian nationalism when he illegally annexed Crimea in 2014.

The Kremlin quickly drummed up historical and religious arguments to defend its aggressive seizure of the territory.

In a speech delivered following its annexation, Putin argued the peninsula had “a sacred and civilisational” meaning for Russia.

He claimed that it was the location of the baptism of Vladimir the Great, the ancient Prince of Kyiv, who converted his people to Christianity.

Putin went on to say that the peninsula had always been “an integral part of Russia”, which it had been robbed of following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

After the annexation, Russians streamed to the peninsula to snap up property in their holiday paradise. However, Crimea was quickly militarised and has become a target of constant Ukrainian missile and drone attacks that have devastated the island.

Real estate agents say that more than half of the new Russian property owners are trying to sell or rent out their apartments.

“Residents from Siberia, the Urals, even Moscow suburbs increasingly contact us asking to sell or rent out their property,” a Crimean estate agent told OBOZ.

“Neither they nor their children can endure constant air raid alarms, let alone explosions. Some told me their children start to panic.

“They are irritated by the military bases literally scattered across the Southern Coast of Crimea.”

Moreover, the war has made it harder for people to find jobs, and those that are available do not pay Moscow salaries.