Is a Russian mass exodus imminent? After the announcement of a partial mobilization by Vladimir Putin (see video above), demand for one-way flights abroad is rapidly increasing, according to internet data.
Google Trends statistics show a spike in searches for Aviasales, the most popular Russian flight buying website.
Direct flights from Moscow to Istanbul and Yerevan sold out
Direct flights from Moscow to Istanbul and Yerevan in Armenia – both destinations where Russians enter visa-free – were sold out on Wednesday, according to Aviasales.
Some intermediate routes, including Moscow to Tbilisi, were also unavailable. The cheapest flights from the capital to Dubai cost more than 300,000 rubles (equivalent to just under 5,000 euros) – about five times the average Russian monthly wage.
Mobilization limits the freedom of travel of the Russians
The fact is that after the partial mobilization order, Russians of military age are required by law to remain in their place of residence. “Citizens registered (as reservists) in the military register may not leave their place of residence from the moment of mobilization without the permission of the military commissariats and the executive bodies responsible for the reserves,” says the law “On mobilization in Russia”.
According to the head of the Defense Commission in the Duma, Andrei Kartapolov, the restriction on the freedom of travel mainly affects holidays abroad. “You can continue to go to Krasnodar or Omsk for business, but I would not recommend going to Turkish resorts – it is better to relax in the resorts of Crimea and the Krasnodar region,” the deputy said on Wednesday.
300,000 reservists are partially mobilized
Almost seven months after the war in Ukraine started, Russia ordered a partial mobilization of its own forces on Wednesday. President Vladimir Putin said in a televised speech that he made this decision on the basis of a proposal from the Defense Ministry and signed the decree. The partial mobilization will begin on Wednesday. According to Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, 300,000 people are partially mobilized for the army.
Personnel problems at the front
According to Putin, the partial mobilization means that reservists between the ages of 27 and 60 will be called up. They would receive the same status and pay as the current contract soldiers and would receive military training again before going to the front, he assured. Reservists with combat experience should be deployed, Shoigu said. There are a total of 25 million reservists in Russia. Partial mobilization is mainly intended to solve the personnel problems at the front.
Kiev reacts with mockery to Russia’s partial mobilization
Kiev reacted disdainfully to the ordered partial mobilization. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak asked on Twitter: “Is everything still going according to plan or not?”
The war planned for “three days” has already lasted 210 days. The Russians, who demanded the destruction of Ukraine, have now received mobilization, closed borders, blocked accounts and prison sentences for deserters, among other things. “Life has a wonderful sense of humor,” Podoljak concluded. In any case, the move was to be expected.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
