Russians flock to Georgia, again, as Putin escalates war

Tbilisi, Georgia – The tree-lined Rustaveli Avenue of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, is filled with young men lugging backpacks and suitcases, trying to orient themselves around this new city.

Occasionally accompanied by wives or girlfriends, they have fled their homes in Russia to escape the partial mobilisation ordered by President Vladimir Putin for more manpower on the battlefields of Ukraine.

Those who have previously served in the military, even as conscripts, and are now registered…