- More than 113,000 Russians left the country for Georgia through the Verkhny Lars checkpoint in a single week, with over 20,000 crossing on August 20 alone, according to Russia’s Federal Customs Service, as reported by *Politico*.
- Demand for apartment rentals in Tbilisi and Yerevan rose up to 30% in mid-August compared to the same period last year, driven by the influx of Russians, according to independent reports.
- Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine triggered a mass exodus of around 700,000 people, largely due to a mobilization drive initiated in September 2022.
- In recent months, the Kremlin has intensified recruitment for contract soldiers and expanded the powers of the Russian National Guard, while also focusing on reservists, particularly men under 55 who completed military service.
- Ukrainian intelligence reported that Russia plans an additional mobilization wave of 600,000 people across 2026 and 2027, with 300,000 recruits expected this year and another 300,000 next year.
- Russia's UN envoy stated on August 20 that a new mobilization is 'not planned and not expected,' despite ongoing recruitment efforts.
More than 113,000 Russians crossed into Georgia within a week, driven by fears of a new military mobilization. On August 20 alone, over 20,000 individuals entered through the Verkhny Lars checkpoint, a significant increase compared to previous years, according to Russia's Federal Customs Service.1
The Kremlin has intensified recruitment efforts for contract soldiers, with reports indicating that Russia plans to mobilize 600,000 people over the next two years, including 300,000 recruits this year. Despite official denials of a new mobilization, public anxiety is rising, with a state-run poll revealing that 66% of Russians anticipate difficult times ahead.
In response to the influx, rental demand in Tbilisi and Yerevan has surged by up to 30%, as many Russians seek refuge from potential conscription. Realtors report that apartments are being rented out within days, with one stating, “I advise anyone planning to move to rent now.”
The situation mirrors the mass exodus following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when around 700,000 people left the country. As fears of a new mobilization grow, interest among Russians looking to emigrate has also increased, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning of potential mobilization efforts by the Kremlin.
“Russia's UN envoy said a new mobilization is 'not planned and not expected,' but Ukrainian intelligence reports plans for 600,000 additional recruits across 2026-2027. A Tbilisi realtor noted apartments selling out in a day or two, comparing demand to 2022.”
UNITED24 Media
TVP World
