Thousands of Russians are reportedly fleeing the country as fears grow that the Kremlin could launch another military draft, potentially sending more men to the front lines in Ukraine. The latest wave of departures has intensified since Russia’s September parliamentary elections, with military-age men increasingly concerned that they could be called into service.

One 35-year-old advertising worker in Moscow, identified as Dmitry, wrote “criminal” on his ballot on Sept. 18 before heading to the airport and boarding a flight to Istanbul. He told The Economist that Russians have already seen how quickly the government can send men to war.

The exodus is also affecting neighboring countries. On Aug. 18, approximately 20,000 people crossed from Russia into Georgia by land, about three times the usual daily volume, according to The Economist. Armenia has also experienced an influx of Russians, with rising demand for rental housing pushing rents up an estimated 30% to 50% since the spring.

Groups that help Russians leave the country or avoid military service say requests for assistance have surged. Grigory Sverdlin, who leads the volunteer organization Idite Lesom, said requests have increased 50% since the spring. Anastasia Burakova, founder of the emigration assistance group Kovcheg, reported an eightfold increase in inquiries since July.

“We are now seeing a smaller but better-prepared wave of emigration,” Burakova told The Economist.

Military mobilization fears are not the only factor driving Russians abroad. The Associated Press reported in September that Ukrainian drone attacks, worsening economic conditions and increasingly restrictive internet policies have also contributed to the departures.

Politico reported in August that more than 113,000 Russians crossed into Georgia through the Upper Lars checkpoint in a single week, adding to concerns that more people are preparing to leave before any potential mobilization is announced.

The Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed speculation about another nationwide call-up. Before the September elections, Putin called the claims “utter rubbish” and described them as “an information attack on Russia.”

However, the government’s assurances have done little to erase memories of September 2022, when Putin announced a partial mobilization that prompted hundreds of thousands of Russians to flee the country.

Since then, Russian authorities have tightened the military recruitment system, introducing mandatory electronic summonses that can trigger immediate travel restrictions, according to Politico. Recruiters have also reportedly pressured students, unemployed men and other vulnerable Russians to sign military contracts.

In the city of Penza, reports of forced recruitment have prompted residents to organize groups intended to protect men from detention, highlighting concerns about how recruitment efforts are being carried out.

Ukrainian officials have warned that Moscow could seek to mobilize hundreds of thousands of additional troops, although Russia has not announced a new nationwide call-up.

For many Russians considering leaving, the prospect of being sent to fight remains a central concern. Dmitry told The Economist, “It's hard to believe your own state can just suddenly send you off to be slaughtered, but we've already seen it happen.”