The Long Flight to Georgia and the Mobilization Shock
A wave of fear about a broader Russian mobilization and the possibility that borders would close pushed thousands of Russian men of military age to cross into Georgia via the Verkhni Lars pass. Leaving behind families and livelihoods, they chose to travel on foot when the border became impassable for vehicles, a decision shared by many who spoke with Efe News.
One such man, Viacheslav, 33, explained that he had completed his military service but does not want to be drawn into fighting in Ukraine. He crossed the border between North Ossetia and Georgia and spoke about his reasons for leaving.
The Sochi native admitted leaving his wife and son at home, and he added that his plan is to bring them to Georgia as soon as possible. First, though, he needs to secure a place to live and set up his life there.
He told reporters that he can work remotely as a computer scientist and hopes to resume his job soon, with his employer promising to keep his position intact.
The Harsh Route to Georgia
Even though Sochi sits close to Georgia, the journey proved lengthy. Viacheslav spent three days traveling to Vladikavkaz, the capital of Russia’s North Ossetia region near the Georgian border, then moved on to the Verkhni Lars crossing, about 40 kilometers away.
The crossing lane was frequently jammed, with many vehicles queued to pass. Observers noted that a sizable number of people chose to walk the final stretch to the border to avoid the gridlock.
Official counts showed traffic in Verkhni Lars peaking well beyond typical levels. Reports indicated thousands of people were on the move, with about half of the line of march consisting of men of military age.
To speed things up or skip the delays, some paid for alternatives. In one account, fares ranged from 15,000 to 25,000 rubles, enough to buy a bike or scooter to cut through traffic, but Viacheslav decided against it to save money.
From the border, many Russians hired a taxi to carry them directly to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, covering another 150 kilometers. The surge in prices was a recurring theme for those crossing the border, with many noting a steady rise in costs.
Another traveler, Alexei from Moscow, recounted a similar plan to cross and start anew in Georgia. He belongs to the generation that sees no good in taking up arms and prefers to pursue new opportunities elsewhere.
Over 1,000 Dollars for an Apartment
Alexei, a 30-year-old originally from Omsk in Siberia, works for a mobile phone company and travels without a family. His reason for leaving centers on avoiding war rather than the act of fighting itself. He and two colleagues rented an apartment in Tbilisi online, paying about $1,100 for a month, a sum that was already high upon their arrival but reflects a market surge in Georgia.
Alexei insists that money was not the main obstacle; the key win was securing safe passage into Georgia. A fellow traveler, Denis, who moved from the Belgorod region near the Ukraine border, echoed a similar relief after crossing. He has a wife and three children back home and hopes to reunite with them soon.
In a traffic jam at the border, Denis met others, including Maxim, Eugenio, Tijomir, and Kiril, all aged between 19 and 42, and they continued toward Tbilisi as a group. The shared sentiment among them was simple and clear: war is not something any of them wants to engage in.
Georgia’s Debate Over the Influx
The influx of Russian migrants sparked a broad public debate in Georgia, a country that has faced security strains since the 2008 conflict with Moscow. Some historians and lawmakers raised concerns about the ease with which people can enter Georgia, with calls for stricter border controls or even visa requirements for Russian visitors. Critics warned that some entrants could be linked to security services.
Observers urged the government to tighten screening, while others urged a steadier approach. Georgian officials emphasized that the border is monitored around the clock and that inspections are rigorous enough to manage the situation. In broader circles, debates about borders and migration policies continue, reflecting the country’s balance between humanitarian openings and national security.
Analysts noted that the current surge of entries raises questions about regional stability, and they emphasized the need for clear rules and practical checks to prevent any misuse while ensuring those seeking safety can find it.