Russian men of mobilization age reportedly barred from flights
Photo: recruitment point for contract service in the Russian army (Getty Images)
A covert mechanism has emerged in Russia restricting the exit of men of mobilization age abroad. Officially, there are no prohibitions, but in practice the situation is different, according to the partisan movement ATESH.
"While the authorities claim there are no mobilization plans, unofficial instructions are already in effect at border crossings," the partisans' statement reads.
According to sources within the border guard services and airports in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg, men of mobilization age are being sent for additional checks. As a result, people simply miss their flights — even when their documents are in order and no official bans exist.
Who the covert ban applies to
According to ATESH, Russian border guards have been instructed to remove only a certain percentage of those attempting to leave the country from their flights.
The reason, according to the partisans, is the authorities' fear of sparking a wave of panic among the population. The Kremlin therefore seeks to avoid any official public disclosure of this practice.
How it works in practice
Airport staff, according to the movement, simply stall for time using standard pretexts: asking about the purpose of the visit, searching personal belongings, or taking a long time to verify tickets.
The individual is taken aside and kept ostensibly for a database check. After the flight's boarding has closed, the passport is returned, and the passenger is sent home — without any official documents or explanations for the delay.
Context of the information
Amid fears that dictator Putin will announce a full-scale mobilization in the autumn following the elections, 40,000 people have left Russia for Georgia over the past few days. The Verkhny Lars crossing is seeing a crush of Russian men.
It has also been reported that there are increasingly clear signs in Russia pointing to heightened mobilization readiness. The authorities are already seeking new ways to replenish the army.
