Russian army reservists attempting to travel to neighbouring Georgia to escape Moscow’s “partial” mobilization will be handed their draft summons at the border, regional authorities in southern Russia said on Tuesday.
The Head of the republic of North Ossetia’s added that, “Citizens of the Russian Federation who are wishing to escape the nation but are subject to enlistment will receive summons at the border with Georgia.”
Over 115,000 Russians are believed to have fled into Georgia since September 21, when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “partial” mobilization to aid Russia’s faltering war effort in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, satellite pictures by Maxar Technologies have shown 16-kilometre lines amassed at the Verkhniy Lars border crossing between North Ossetia and Georgia.
Moreover, Russian officials have refused to explain on the situation at Russia’s border Tuesday.
Peskov added that, “On the whole, everything is happening in this region in strict accordance with the legislation of Russia.”
In another remark, the Defense Ministry of Russia mentioned that it would not seek extradition of Russians who have escaped the nation to evade the mobilization.
The ministry added in a statement, “The Defense Ministry of Russia has not sent any request to the authorities of Kazakhstan, Georgia or any other nation for the alleged forced return to Russian soil of Russian citizens, and it is not planning to do so.”
Whereas, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) on Monday has confirmed to the media that it has sent an armoured personnel carrier to the Russian-Georgian border to keep a check on the situation and prevent reservists from illegally escaping Russia.”
At the same time, pictures shared on social media have shown a group of uniformed men sitting atop the armoured vehicle as rows of stationary traffic lined the major highway.
As per figures shared by reports, “Around 260,000 men are estimated to have escaped the nation in the days since Putin announced the mobilization.”
Tuesday’s announcement by North Ossetia follows days of speculation that Russia could close its borders to prevent potential draftees from leaving the country. The Kremlin has denied it has plans to do so.