<p>The current exploratory study aims to reveal identity gaps and interpersonal communication strategies used by Russians to overcome social identity crises. Based on previous research, we assume that many Russians who live both in Russia and abroad face ethnic and national identity threats and experience different social identity crises due to recent geopolitical events. This study explores identity gaps experienced by Russians in interpersonal communication and examines the strategies they employ to manage these gaps. We used insights from semi-structured interviews analyzed through qualitative content analysis (<i>N</i> = 61). The results demonstrate the existence of personal-social, social-enacted, social-relational, and enacted-relational identity gaps. Communication strategies employed to manage these gaps include language-use related (euphemistic labeling, language use, smoothing), identity management (label changing, identity veiling, narrowing of social identity, identity gap expansion, shared identity development) and relationship management (narrowing of personal network, changing personal networks, avoidance, maintenance) strategies. These findings offer timely and significant contributions to understanding how relational processes are shaped under conditions of identity uncertainty and societal polarization.</p>