Mobilization in Russia: 2300 vehicles were counted at the border post in Georgia

Russian officials on Saturday noted a “significant” flow of cars seeking to cross into Georgia, in full mobilization to fight in Ukraine, with some 2,300 vehicles counted at a single border post.

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“A total of 2300 private vehicles lined up to cross the Verkhni Lars checkpoint on arrival in the Republic of North Ossetia,” the ministry said. Bordering Georgia, this Russian republic is interior.

Due to this influx, “clearing customs is difficult,” added the ministry, which called on Russians not to leave the country.

The ministry did not say to what extent the number of vehicles piled up at the border was higher than normal, but announced that additional police officers had been deployed to “ensure road safety”.

The influx comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed this week that hundreds of thousands of Russians would be mobilized to fight in Ukraine.

The move sparked an outcry on airline websites, with many Russians fearing they would be called up.

Land crossing points have also come under fire as Russians fear the borders will soon be closed.

In addition to Georgia, the borders with Kazakhstan and Mongolia have also recorded an influx since the mobilization announcement, with witnesses sometimes waiting several hours before being able to pass.

On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said reports of an “exodus” by Russians were “grossly exaggerated.”