A day after the declared partial mobilization in Russia, crowds have increased at the borders with neighbouring countries. The Finnish border guard says the number of Russians at the border has “clearly increased”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called on 300,000 reservists to fight in Ukraine on Wednesday. Almost immediately, the prices of airline tickets that allow Russians to leave the country rose and many flights abroad became fully booked.
Finland shares a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia. According to the border guard, it is busy, but the situation is still under control. The Finnish border is one of the few places where Russians can still reach the West by land. The Baltic countries have already closed their borders almost completely and do not want to receive Russian deserters. Finland is also considering stricter visa rules.
Media reports show there are also long queues at the Russian border with Georgia. However, according to the Kremlin, this is exaggerated, and there is no question of an exodus at the borders and at airports.