Ukraine War: Russians flee to border after Putin’s partial mobilization announcement

Since President Vladimir Putin announced a partial military mobilisation on Wednesday, which could see 300,000 people called to serve, lines have built up at border crossings.

Reports of males of combat age running away, according to the Kremlin, are overstated. However, miles-long lines of vehicles, including men trying to flee the fighting, have formed along the Georgian border. Some people travelling into the neighbouring nation have gotten around traffic jams and a rule prohibiting pedestrian crossings by using bicycles.

‘I will break my arm, my leg… anything to avoid the draft’

The night before Putin’s speech, the 26-year-old PhD candidate and professor was anticipating a delivery of groceries when two guys dressed in civilian attire showed up and handed him military documents to sign.

Only those with combat experience and unique skills who have completed their military service will be called up, according to the Kremlin.

However, the 26-year-old has no military experience, and his stepfather is concerned because it is a crime in Russia to avoid conscription.

On Tuesday, the call-up provoked demonstrations in significant Russian cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, leading to a reported 1,300 arrests.

Additionally, there were rumours coming out of Russia that some of the protesters who were detained received draught paperwork while they were being held at police stations. When questioned about the reports, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that doing so was not illegal.

During his midnight address on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Russians to snub the mobilisation.

Referring to Russian deaths in the war, he said: “Want more? No? Then protest. Fight back. Run away. Or surrender to Ukrainian captivity.”