Russians flee to Finland to escape Putin’s partial military mobilization order amid war

Finland stated on Thursday it was considering barring most Russian nationals from entering country as traffic across border from its eastern neighbour "intensified" following President Vlimir Putin's order for a partial military mobilization. Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin stated that government was assessing risks posed by Russian individuals travelling through her nation, and was considering ways to sharply reduce transit of such individuals, reported AP.  

" government's will is very clear, we believe Russian tourism must be stopped, as well as transit through Finland," Marin stated during press briefing.  

Russians avoiding military call-up  

Long queues have been reported at border crossings between Russia and Finland since Russia’s President Vlimir Putin announced a partial military mobilization in a televised dress to his nation on Wednesday. announcement came after President Putin passed an executive order same day that called for 300,000 reservists to march towards nation’s border with Ukraine. Even though Kremlin states that reports of fighting-age men fleeing military call-up are exaggerated, on-ground situation at Finnish border projects orwise.  

Finland’s border guard tweeted on Thursday stating that on September 21, more than 4,500 Russian citizens arrived on Finnish border to cross into country.

Finland and Georgia are among a few countries that offer entry points to Russians into Europe. Moreover, Georgia is one country that Russian nationals can enter without a visa. However, Finland, which shares a 1,300 km border with Russia, does require a visa for travel.   

Interior Minister of Germany stated on Thursday that Russians fleeing military draft would be welcome in her country, reported BBC. Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said fleeing Russians threatened by "severe repression" would receive protection on a case-by-case basis, following security checks.  

Russia’s military call-up sparks protests in Moscow  

Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated on Wednesday in a televised dress that more than 5,900 Russian soldiers h been killed since onset of conflict.  

Moreover, announcement of partial military mobilization sparked anti-war protests in major Russian cities including St Petersburg and Moscow on Tuesday, resulting in 1,300 arrests, reported CNN.  

Furr reports suggest that some of detainees h been handed draft papers while in custody at police stations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that doing so was not against law.