Russia Prepares Border Closure For New Wave of Mobilization, According to British Intelligence

Moscow is preparing to close its borders this fall in the event of a new wave of mobilization, according to British intelligence reports. The Russian government is reportedly developing a system to prevent potential conscripts and mobilized individuals from leaving the country.

The Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom cited Russian media outlet “Meduza,” which revealed that Moscow is implementing an “information exchange system” between the Ministry of Defense and the FSB. This system aims to provide detailed information about potential conscripts to the border service of the FSB to prevent their departure from the country. The system is expected to be fully operational by autumn 2024.

According to British intelligence sources, Russia conducts two military conscriptions annually, summoning over 250,000 individuals each year for mandatory military service. Following the partial mobilization in 2022, hundreds of thousands of Russians, particularly young and highly educated individuals, reportedly left the country, impacting the labor market. The implementation of this new system is seen as a measure to prevent a recurrence of this phenomenon during the yearly conscription cycle and in the event of further mobilization.

The British Ministry of Defense highlighted concerns that Moscow’s actions could significantly restrict the movement of its citizens, particularly in response to geopolitical tensions and military operations, affecting both domestic stability and international relations.