Russians Flee to Georgia on “Vacation”

Russia is losing their war in Ukraine. They’ve been pushed back on the ground, and Ukraine is re-arming with Western help. Even Russia’s global allies are voicing concern. With losses piling up, the Kremlin decided to start calling on their national reserve - trained soldiers who are not on active duty. But the conscription effort has been poorly managed and many Russians are worried it’s cover for a general draft.

All of this has led to an exodus of fighting-age men from Russia, and long lines at the border. Several European countries have closed their doors to Russians fleeing military service but Georgia remains open. With a long history of colonization by their Eastern neighbor, many people in Georgia are on edge.

On this weeks episode of Black Diplomats host Terrell Starr talks to Khatia Dekanoidze, the head of opposition parties in Georgia, and Nodar Rukhadze, activist and co-founder of the Shame Movement, a civil society organization. They are leading the call for heavier surveillance of Russian visitors and a new visa policy to enforce restrictions on travel.

Thanks for listening!