EU Authorities: More than 30% of Russians entering Europe after Russia's Mobilization Order

The number of Russians entering the European Union and the EU has increased by more than 30% within a week, the EU said amid a rush of Russians to escape after the partial military mobilization order for reservists was issued in Russia.

"About 66,000 Russians entered the EU last week," Frontex, in charge of border defense operations in EU member states, said, according to Reuters.

Frontex explained, "Most Russians have entered Finland and Estonia, which are EU member states."

Russians crossing the border usually hold dual citizenship, whether they have a residence permit or visa in the EU, authorities said.

Frontex predicted, "If Russia bans the departure of those subject to the mobilization order, illegal border crossings are expected to increase.

Twenty-seven EU member states began discussing how to deal with Russian military service evaders crossing the border on the 26th, but no agreement has been reached.

The EU previously discussed a plan to ban visa issuance to Russian tourists proposed by the three Baltic countries in late August, but failed to coordinate their stance.

Instead, they decided to increase the cost of obtaining a visa for Russians to enter the EU and extend the processing time.

In response, the three Baltic countries and Poland independently introduced entry restrictions on Russian tourists on the 19th, and Finland plans to take similar measures.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a partial mobilization order for reservists on the 21st, and since then, Russians have been fleeing abroad to avoid conscription.

Foreign media reported that at border checkpoints in Finland, Georgia and Kazakhstan, which border Russia, there are long lines of vehicles trying to cross the border.

Air tickets to countries where Russians can enter and leave without a visa, such as Turkiye, Armenia, and Uzbekistan, continue to sell out.

The Russian side claims that Western media is exaggerating about this, and that there are not many conscripted Russians who actually attempt to leave the country.

(Photo = provided by Maxa Technology, Yonhap News)