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Putin's mobilisation: What does it mean for Russians?

Three Russian men tells us their worries about being called up.

Following President Putin's speech announcing the mobilisation of 300,000 military reservists, what are the personal human consequences to ordinary Russian citizens? Anti-war protests have been taking place in Russia following the announcement.

Flights out of Russia sold out fast after Vladimir Putin's announcement.

Pictures on social media showed long queues at border posts, and on Google, the search for "how to leave Russia" skyrocketed.

Russia's president ordered a partial mobilisation, meaning some 300,000 military reservists - but not conscripts - will be drafted to bolster Russia's forces who have suffered recent battlefield reverses in Ukraine.

Philip, Pavel and Artem (not their real names) give an insight into how they, and those around them, are feeling and what their plan may be moving forward: "Everyone doesn't know what to think, what to say...we are thinking about ways to escape this situation, thinking about moving abroad or disappearing in the country."

(Photo: Russian policemen prepare to detain participants of an unauthorised protest against the partial mobilisation due to the conflict in Ukraine, in central St. Petersburg, Russia, 21 September 2022. Credit: Anatoly Maltsev/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

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7 minutes