Following President Vladimir Putin's announcement of partial mobilisation of troops on Wednesday, videos shared by Sky News showed long lines of vehicles at a checkpoint on the Russia-Georgia border. Georgia is one of the few neighbouring countries that Russians can enter without needing to apply for a visa.
The checkpoint has become a popular route used by Russians attempting to leave the country fearing the draft.
The announcement- Russia's first mobilisation since the Second World War has led to a rush even at border crossings into Kazakhstan and Mongolia as Russians look for a way out, the Guardian reported.
The order to mobilise 300,000 Russians with military experience- as clarified by Russian defence ministry- has sparked massive protests in Russia.
{{/usCountry}}The order to mobilise 300,000 Russians with military experience- as clarified by Russian defence ministry- has sparked massive protests in Russia.
{{/usCountry}}Amid the protests and backlash, Moscow has begun implementing the mobilisation plan as Russia faced severe setbacks in Ukraine in recent weeks.