Moscow admits ‘mistakes’ in recruiting – ‘Borders not being closed’ says Peskov

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The conscription has sparked protests and led to thousands of arrests as Russians flee the country en masse.

The Kremlin today admitted “mistakes” in recruiting reservists to go fight in the Ukraine while – in the face of the demonstrations and the escape of many Russians abroad – he emphasized that there is no “decision” to close the borders at this time.

“There are cases where the decree (of conscription) was breached,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry said Peskovwho said he hoped “the mistakes will be righted”.

Authorities have said the 300,000 reservists must be drafted only for those with military experience or the desired skills. But many cases of recruitment of elderly, sick or inexperienced people as well as students have been recorded.

Conscription sparked protests and led to thousands arrests after its announcement by President Vladimir Putin last week.

Mass flight of Russians from the country

Many Russians also seem to have chosen to leave the country given the increased influx at the borders with Georgia, Kazakhstan, Finland or Mongolia. Air travel also skyrocketed.

This influx has fueled fears that Russia will ban men of fighting age from leaving the country.

The Kremlin spokesman said that the authorities “have not taken a decision” at this stage regarding the closing of the border for this category of citizens.

Yesterday, Sunday, Novaya Gazeta reported on its website that 261,000 men have left the country since the partial conscription was announced, citing an unnamed source in Russia’s presidential administration.

Human rights lawyer Pavel Chikov said border guards at Russia’s only functioning crossing point with Georgia stopped some people from leaving, citing the conscription law. The local interior minister said on Sunday there was a queue of 2,300 cars at the crossing point Verkhny Lars.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm reports of border returns.

Russia is preparing to annex four regions of Ukraine after the end tomorrow, Tuesday, of “referendums” denounced by Ukraine and the West.

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