113,000 Russians flee to Georgia in week amid mobilization fears
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
More than 113,000 Russian citizens crossed into Georgia through the Upper Lars checkpoint in the past week, according to Turkish outlet Sozcu. The surge follows heightened Russian military preparations and renewed mobilization rumors. The exodus echoes the September 2022 partial mobilization, when over 100,000 crossed in the first week.
Key Facts
- 113,000 Russian citizens crossed into Georgia via the Upper Lars checkpoint in the past week.
- During the September 2022 partial mobilization, over 100,000 people crossed into Georgia in the first week, with about 300,000 men leaving Russia in total.
- Politico reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine's military intelligence (GUR) claim the Kremlin plans to conscript more than 300,000 new soldiers this year and next.
- The Wall Street Journal reported that Russian officers are undergoing special exercises related to new recruitment processes, pointing to covert mobilization preparations.
Border Exodus
The Upper Lars checkpoint on the Georgia-Russia border saw 113,000 Russian citizens cross in the past week alone. The current surge mirrors the September 2022 partial mobilization, when over 100,000 people crossed into Georgia in the first week. In total, about 300,000 men left Russia during that earlier wave.
Military Preparations
Russia has visibly increased military preparation measures in recent months, including intensified data collection on reservists, expanded authority for the national guard, and tightened conscription regulations. Politico reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine's military intelligence claim the Kremlin plans to conscript more than 300,000 new soldiers this year and next. The Wall Street Journal noted that Russian officers are undergoing special exercises related to new recruitment processes, highlighting covert mobilization preparations.
Kremlin Denials and Political Calculus
The Kremlin continues to firmly deny any plans for a new mobilization wave. Experts and journalists note that rising personnel losses on the front line could force Moscow to take this step again. The ruling United Russia party's declining public support may lead Putin to avoid a socially unpopular decision before the upcoming parliamentary elections. Despite the exclusion of anti-war parties from the elections, a large-scale compulsory mobilization carries political risk, and an official announcement could be postponed until after the vote.
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113,000 Russians flee to Georgia in week amid mobilization fears
