The number of Russians who left the country after the mobilization was announced likely exceeds the entire force deployed by Russia to invade Ukraine in February 2022. This is stated in the summary of British intelligence.
It is also noted that mostly wealthy and well-educated people are leaving. With reservists to be mobilized, workforce cuts and an accelerating brain drain will increasingly weigh on the domestic economy, the report says.
After the announcement of mobilization, over a hundred thousand people left Russia in seven days, who received or may receive summons to the army, but do not want to fight against Ukraine. Many people leave for fear that exit from the country will soon be closed. The exact number of those who left is unknown. According to preliminary data, at least 98 thousand people left for Kazakhstan, more than 50 thousand – for Georgia. People stand in queues at the border checkpoints for several days.
