Putin’s Mobilization Order: Men flee to Georgia, Kazachstan, Finland, others, U.S. Welcomes Russians seeking asylum

Russian men are fleeing into neighboring Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Finland, and other neighboring countries to avoid being called up to fight in a war they do not agree with, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order to mobilize hundreds of thousands of reservists for the conflict in Ukraine.

The Georgian capital Tbilisi had already seen an influx of around 40,000 Russians since Moscow invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, according to government statistics.

The exact number of people who have left Russia since Putin announced what he called a “partial mobilization” last Wednesday is unclear, but an early picture is emerging of a substantial exodus.

Meanwhile, the United States has welcomed Russians seeking asylum from President Vladimir Putin’s “unpopular” war.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that regardless of their nationality, they may apply for asylum in the United States and have their claim educated on a case-by-case basis.