Russians queue at border amid speculation of new 'mass exodus'

Long queues of thousands of Russians are forming at the border crossing into Georgia, sparking concerns about a potential new "mass exodus." Images circulating on social media depict kilometer-long lines of vehicles, suggesting a significant movement of people fleeing Russia. The situation has intensified speculation about the reasons behind this surge in departures.

Data from Russia's federal customs service indicates a "record passenger traffic" at the Verkhny Lars crossing, the sole land route between Russia and Georgia. For three days in mid-August, the crossing reportedly saw over 20,000 passengers per day, primarily in personal vehicles. The customs service noted that these figures substantially exceed those recorded during comparable periods in previous years, highlighting the unusual scale of the current border activity.

While the article does not explicitly state the cause, the context of increased border crossings often relates to fears of mobilization or political instability. The independent newspaper The Moscow Times cited the customs service's report on the record traffic. The sheer volume of people and vehicles suggests a significant event prompting Russians to leave the country, potentially driven by anxieties about future developments within Russia.