Russia installs conscription checkpoints across border areas to block 'Putin Exodus'

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Russian government is reportedly installing conscription checkpoints across border areas to prevent men from fleeing abroad following the partial mobilization order, a phenomenon dubbed the 'Putin Exodus.' Contrary to the Russian authorities' initial explanation of the partial mobilization order, men of all ages are being indiscriminately conscripted, which is expected to further fuel public backlash in Russia.

According to the Associated Press (AP) on the 29th (local time), the Russian government has set up conscription checkpoints along the border area of North Ossetia, which borders Georgia, a major escape route for conscription-eligible men, and is conscripting men attempting to flee there. According to the Russian independent media outlet Meduza, conscription checkpoints have also been installed at various points along the border with Finland.

This is interpreted as a measure to prevent chaos caused by the mass attempts of young men of conscription age to flee abroad following the partial mobilization order. According to The New York Times (NYT), more than 200,000 Russians have fled abroad since the partial mobilization order was announced on the 21st. At major border points, vehicle lines attempting to cross the border continue, and inspections are reportedly being strengthened.

In particular, the number of Russians trying to cross into neighboring countries such as Georgia and Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan, which have no visa restrictions despite sanctions against Russia, is increasing significantly. The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that more than 53,000 Russians have entered since last week, and Kazakhstan has recorded over 98,000 Russians entering since last week.

Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the number of conscripts under the partial mobilization order is 300,000, and that university students, people with chronic illnesses, and elderly men past military service age are exempt from conscription. However, due to administrative errors by some local governments, many exempt individuals were conscripted, and rumors that the number of conscripts could increase by more than one million have led to a continuous wave of Russian men fleeing abroad.