More Than 113,000 Russians Reportedly Left for Georgia Last Week Amid Fresh Mobilization Rumors
More than 113,000 Russian citizens reportedly crossed into Georgia last week, amid growing rumors and concerns over a possible new wave of military mobilization, according to Politico.
On August 20 alone, more than 20,000 people reportedly crossed the Verkhny Lars border checkpoint between Russia and Georgia—a figure significantly higher than levels recorded during previous years.
The reported surge comes as the Kremlin has intensified efforts to recruit soldiers under contract in recent months, expanded the collection of data on military reservists and increased the powers of Russia’s National Guard.
According to sources cited by Politico, Russia has struggled this year to consistently recruit more than 30,000 contract soldiers per month, with recruitment reportedly falling to around 27,000 in some months.
▪️ Ukrainian intelligence services have also claimed that Russia is preparing for a new wave of mobilization in 2026–2027. Moscow is reportedly aiming to recruit 300,000 personnel this year and another 300,000 next year as it seeks to replenish and expand its armed forces.
The Kremlin has not publicly confirmed plans for a new nationwide mobilization. However, the increased military recruitment efforts, expanded reservist data collection and the reported rise in Russians leaving the country have fueled renewed speculation over whether further mobilization measures could be introduced.