Cyprus Mail
RussiaUkraineWorld

Russia should stop draft-age men from leaving the country says senior lawmaker

queue of cars is seen at zemo larsi/verkhny lars checkpoint on russia georgia border
A queue of cars is seen at the Zemo Larsi/Verkhny Lars checkpoint on the Russia-Georgia border, September 21, 2022 RFE/RL's Georgian Service/Handout via REUTERS

Russian men of fighting age should not be allowed to travel abroad, a senior lawmaker was quoted as saying on Monday, amid growing public concern that wider border closures will be announced to stop people fleeing the draft.

“Everyone who is of conscription age should be banned from travelling abroad in the current situation,” Sergei Tsekov, a member of Russia’s upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, told RIA news agency.

Since President Vladimir Putin announced a partial call-up of reservists to fight in Ukraine last week, flights to leave the country have sold out and protests have been staged – and swiftly broken up by police – in cities across Russia.

The announcement triggered panic that men of fighting age would be turned away at the borders, although the Kremlin has dismissed reports of people fleeing to airports.

Another lawmaker played down the idea of border closures and said the government was providing support measures to those being called up to serve.

“I would like to invite all colleagues (instead of inflaming the situation) to pay attention to the issues of social support for citizens who are subject to mobilisation…,” Andrei Klishas, another member of the Federation Council, wrote in response to Tsekov’s proposal.

Follow the Cyprus Mail on Google News

Related Posts

Illness, scandal and discord leave UK royal family looking depleted

Reuters News Service

Philippines’ Catholic devotees nailed to crosses to re-enact crucifixion

Reuters News Service

Israel strikes Syria hard

Reuters News Service

Kyiv’s top general says Ukraine needs fewer troops than expected

Reuters News Service

Companies sell their businesses in Russia

Reuters News Service

Nigeria to free 313 suspected Boko Haram insurgents for lack of evidence

Reuters News Service