Young men describe why they've fled Russia after Putin's military mobilisation

Some Russian men crossed into Finland across its southeastern border with Russia on Friday (September 23) after President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilisation. "It is just crazy. I am just for freedom, Russia (free) from Putin, democracy in Russia," said 27-year-old Nikita, a sound engineer, breaking into tears. He declined to give his last name. "When Putin has his speech I just pack my bag and directly go to Finland," said 26-year-old Sergey, who is travelling to Turkey. Reuters spoke to a dozen young men at the Vaalimaa border crossing in southeastern Finland, their numbers growing in the days since Putin announced the call-up of 300,000 military reservists. Traffic into Finland over its border with Russia was heavy on Friday. But the Finnish government, wary of becoming a major transit nation, plans to stop all Russians from entering on tourist visas within the coming days, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told a news conference in New York. Exceptions may still apply on humanitarian grounds, but avoiding the military conscription was unlikely to constitute grounds for asylum, he said. The Finnish border guard said the number of Russians who had entered the previous day was more than double the amount who arrived the week before. About 7,000 people entered from Russia on Thursday, some 6,000 of them Russian, according to the border guards. Finnish land border crossings have remained among the few entry points into Europe for Russians after a string of countries shut both physical frontiers and their air space to Russian planes in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know Watch The Sun's latest coverage of the war in Ukraine, with real-time updates on deadly drone strikes, the latest weapons, military action, and those resisting Russia’s invasion. Stay up-to-date on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plans to defend Ukraine and the escalating tensions between Kyiv and Moscow as Russian President Vladimir Putin targets more Ukrainian territory. Track Putin’s disputes with global leaders and the broader geopolitical impact including US President Donald Trump’s role in the conflict - from his controversial minerals deal with Zelensky to his strained relationship with Putin. Subscribe now for ongoing updates on Zelensky, Putin, and Trump. The Sun brings you breaking news and in-depth analysis on the stories that matter most. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to conflicts in the Middle East and US and UK politics, we post updates as they happen. Expect the latest on major global events, pressing political debates, celebrity updates and exclusive royal family content, along with in-depth investigations and expert commentary. Get comprehensive coverage of Donald Trump's Presidency, Vladimir Putin's actions, and the unfolding drama of the British Royal Family. Subscribe now for daily updates and exclusive content from The Sun. https://www.youtube.com/c/thesun?sub_... Read The Sun: https://bit.ly/3Tay1OY Like The Sun on Facebook:   / thesun   Follow The Sun on TikTok:   / ucizxayrp7-p0anpq-nd-h5g   Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat:   / 1633225139   #Ukraine #Russia #ukrainenews