The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has strained the relationship between the West and Russia, but the interest of Russian billionaires in British nannies remains unchanged. Nannies with annual earnings reaching up to 180,000 pounds live in luxury but also struggle with social isolation.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many Western countries imposed severe sanctions on Moscow, yet life did not change much for 43-year-old Catrin Vaughan, who lives in the UK. The Welsh nanny left her village in 2007 to care for the children of a Russian billionaire. When the war started in 2022, her family wanted her to return immediately. Her father did not want her to stay in a “country full of bandits”. However, Catrin decided to stay, saying, “I will stay here. My billionaire boss is showering me with money.”

WAR DOUBLED THE SALARIES: UP TO £180,000 PER YEAR

Despite the sanctions following the war making it even harder for Westerners to earn money in Russia, the demand for British nannies has not subsided. In fact, this demand has doubled their salaries. While an average nanny in the UK earns 32,000 pounds annually, British nannies in Russia can earn up to 180,000 pounds per year. Moreover, as families cover expenses like food, accommodation, health, and travel, nannies can save most of the money they earn.

FROM ORDINARY LIVES TO PALACES

Many British nannies had quite ordinary jobs before transitioning to luxury living. Their careers started as cleaning staff or nursery workers but have now evolved into vacations on superyachts and travels on private jets. One of the agencies enabling this transition is owned by Valentin Grogol. The British Nanny agency, operating since 2009, has gained the trust of ultra-rich families.

HIRING PROCESS WITH A POLYGRAPH

Nannies hired through the agency do not just pass a diploma check; they also undergo social media screenings, complete health tests, and in some cases, polygraph tests. Catrin went through a process before being hired to test if she used drugs and how “resistant” she was to money.

“I HAVE A FEW WHITE HAIRS NOW”

Another nanny, Firmin Shepherd, describes the psychological effects he experienced following the war: “I have a few white hairs now. These appeared when the word ‘nuclear’ started being discussed.” After receiving training in St. Petersburg, Shepherd began providing English education and consultancy for the ultra-rich. However, he expresses discomfort from the high sounds of Moscow’s air defense systems as the war escalates.

POLITICS BANNED, PRIVACY REQUIRED

Both agencies and families expect nannies to maintain political neutrality. In hiring processes that begin with questions like “Do you feel any hatred against Russia?”, expressing political views can become a serious issue. Similarly, customer confidentiality is crucial. A nanny who shares vacation photos can instantly lose her job.

ISOLATION IN LUXURY

Despite the high income, luxurious vacations, and prestige, many of these nannies have distanced themselves from social life. Catrin says her old friends have blocked her on social media, and she no longer has a circle where she can spend her money. “I am always alone. I got used to it because I was excluded,” she says.

Some nannies report that the children they work with struggle with psychological and behavioral issues. A nanny who has worked with adopted children and ultra-rich children says, “There is almost no difference between them,” highlighting the negative effects of spoiling on child development. The economic sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine also make it difficult for the money earned in Russia to be spent in the West. Nannies who are trying to buy a house say, “Even lawyers are afraid to provide services to me because of my connection to Russia,” making it challenging for them to manage their wealth.