Thousands of Russians head for Finland amid Putin's Ukraine mobilization push
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Loading... - Adelino Langa
- 17 Oct 2022
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When 27-year-old Nikita watched Russian President Vladimir Putin announce a military mobilization while visiting his uncle in St Petersburg, he decided to leave his homeland.
Two days later, he was crossing the border into Finland.
"It is just insane. All my friends [are] in danger," said the sound engineer, minutes after stepping into the Nordic country.
He had first fled Russia after the Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine for Turkey and had go back for a brief visit to get some papers. He now plans to return to Turkey.
"It is just crazy. I am just for freedom, Russia [free] from Putin, democracy in Russia," he said, breaking into tears. He declined to give his last name.
Nikita was one of a dozen young men Reuters spoke to at the Vaalimaa border crossing in southeastern Finland, their number growing in the days since Putin announced the call-up of 300,000 military reservists.
'I am leaving Russia'
They were traveling on tourist visas, but said they were either not coming back or were considering not to.
"I am leaving Russia," said Alexander, 21, who was going to France. Read More...
