Russians cross Georgian border fleeing mobilization

STORY: People from various Russian regions could be seen arriving at Georgia's mountainous Lars border crossing.

Nikita, who came from St Petersburg, said that he had decided to leave Russia after he received a draft notice.

"I have escaped the mobilization," he told Reuters. "I don't want to die for the regime. I don't think it's legal. Basically it's criminal."

Many drove to the border, but some had traveled by bicycle or even on foot.

Volunteers could be seen giving away free food and drinks to travelers wearied by their long journey.

"We are handing out free humanitarian aid to people who are exhausted from the last few days' travelling from Russia to Georgia through the (Russian republics of) Kabardino-Balkaria, (Northern) Ossetia," said Belarusian volunteer Alexander. "They are exhausted from all the endless requests for bribes, threats and humiliation in Ossetia. We understand the Ossetian customs completely."

On Tuesday, the head of the Georgian interior ministry said that about 10,000 Russians were entering Georgia every day, up from 5,000-6,000 before the mobilization announcement.

But there were also signs that Russian authorities were clamping down on the route.

Authorities in the local region of North Ossetia, part of Russia, announced they were setting up a temporary draft office on the border, and that reservists attempting to leave Russia would be given draft papers on the spot.