Russians flee Moscow after Ukraine's mass drone attack, fearing new mobilisation

Russian residents are fleeing the country in significant numbers following Ukraine's "unprecedented attack" on Moscow, which involved hundreds of drones targeting the capital and its surrounding region on Sunday, the final day of Russia's parliamentary elections. The attack has prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to vow intensified strikes on Kyiv, with the Russian defence ministry stating it will continue and increase "high-accuracy strikes against military targets" in response to attacks on civilian sites. Fearing potential departure restrictions and new military mobilisations, Russians are seeking emergency emigration assistance, with a surge in requests since July and a spike in searches for "how to leave" and "mobilisation," according to the anti-war project Ark and Euronews. Human rights activist Jan Slovitsky noted a rising wave of panic in Russia since mid-July, linked to mobilisation risks, fuel shortages, and internet access concerns, with people leaving in advance based on past experiences. An electronic summons register now automatically triggers an exit ban, though Putin has dismissed mobilisation rumours as "utter nonsense." The attack, described as the largest-ever by enemy drones, came amid European intelligence warnings that Russia is preparing to escalate its war against Ukraine and target NATO countries.