Due to the mobilization in Russia, tens of thousands of residents are still displaced. However, this could have dramatic consequences, especially in the long run, because: Mainly socially wealthy and educated men are currently leaving the country, which is also accompanied by economic losses. Meanwhile, Russia is trying to make it more difficult to leave the country, at least towards Kazakhstan.
“The wealthy and educated are overrepresented among those trying to leave Russia,” the Defense Ministry said in London on Thursday, citing intelligence findings.
Huge impact of talent drain
If one also takes the conveners into account, the domestic economic impact should be huge, the report said. The authority referred to the lower availability of labor and a rapid brain drain, i.e. the loss of skilled labor in, for example, the technology sectors.
“In the seven days since President (Vladimir) Putin announced the ‘partial mobilization’, a significant exodus of Russians trying to avoid conscription has begun,” it said in London.
Mass exodus surpasses the strength of the invading army
Exact numbers are unclear. But the number of people who have left the country is likely to exceed the strength of the invading army with which Russia attacked Ukraine in February. It is estimated that before the deployment, Moscow had deployed about 150,000 soldiers on the border with the neighboring country.
Stop for conscripts at the border
In view of the mass exodus to neighboring Kazakhstan in Central Asia, Russian authorities now want to filter out conscripts at the border. A temporary mobilization center will be opened in the coming days at the Karausek border crossing in Russia’s Astrakhan region, the regional administration announced on Thursday, the state agency TASS said.
Kazakhstan as main destination
A line of men of military age had formed for miles at the border, it said. At the border crossing, the passports of those who leave the country would be compared to the draft lists in the future. Anyone who falls under the mobilization criteria and who does not have an official deferment or an exit permit from the military will not be allowed to leave the country.
Emigration from Russia to Georgia, which borders on the south, has also become more difficult. The Russian republic of North Ossetia in the Caucasus, which borders Georgia, announced travel restrictions on Wednesday.
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.
