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Record 1.1 Million Russians Head Abroad in Three Months Amid Fears of Putin’s New Mobilization
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
More than 1.1 million Russian citizens traveled to Georgia, Armenia, and Serbia between July and September 2026, setting a 17-year record for departures to the three countries amid growing speculation about a possible new wave of military mobilization in Russia.
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According to Russian outlet Verstka on November 9, citing data from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) border service, departures to all three countries reached their highest levels since comparable records began in 2010.
Georgia recorded the largest number, with approximately 660,300 Russians entering the country during the third quarter of 2026. This was 43,300 more than during the same period in 2025, when the previous record was established.
The figure also exceeded the number recorded during Russia’s partial military mobilization in 2022 by 43%. Between July and September of that year, approximately 461,200 Russians traveled to Georgia following Moscow’s decision to mobilize additional troops for its war against Ukraine.
Armenia recorded another 402,300 arrivals from Russia during the third quarter of 2026, compared with 344,700 during the same period last year.
Serbia also registered a record, with approximately 64,800 Russian citizens arriving between July and September, roughly 14,000 more than a year earlier. The previous quarterly high was 53,200 in 2024.
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In total, the three countries recorded approximately 1,127,400 arrivals from Russia over the three-month period.
However, the FSB statistics cover all recorded departures, including tourism, business trips, and other temporary travel. The data does not establish how many Russians permanently left the country or traveled abroad specifically to avoid military service.
The record figures emerged as reports suggested that Moscow was considering additional measures to address difficulties recruiting contract soldiers for its ongoing war against Ukraine.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported on September 18 that Russian officials and Kremlin insiders feared a possible covert mobilization of up to 300,000 additional troops. According to the report, Moscow had expanded its digital conscription system, allowing authorities to restrict travel abroad once an electronic military summons is issued.
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