As the war in Ukraine continues, a second "wave of refugees" has begun in Russia, comprising those wishing to flee President Vladimir Putin's regime.

For instance, 37-year-old Vladimir is among those Russians who have business and family ties in Russia, which took some time to resolve, and who are now relocating to another country.

"Once the flow of departures begins and people start to understand how to go about it... it encourages more and more people to leave," Jeanna Batalova, a senior policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, told CNBC.

The "first wave" consisted of artists, journalists, and others openly opposed to Putin's regime, who believed they had to leave the country immediately or face political persecution for violating the Kremlin's strict crackdown on public opposition. "Many people received various kinds of messages that they were traitors," explains J. Batalova, noting that some Russians experienced backlash – even from their own neighbours. As the war continues, more and more Russians are deciding to leave.

"Migration works like this – as soon as the flow starts and people have figured out how to do something – get an apartment, apply for asylum, find a job, or start a business – it encourages others to leave. The process becomes fluid," said J. Batalova.