Russian men flock to Istanbul, fearing call-up to fight in Ukraine

A stream of Russians has been flocking to Istanbul, expressing personal relief but concern for the safety of loved ones after the Kremlin announced a partial military mobilization for the war in Ukraine.

The price of some tickets from Moscow shot up tenfold after President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced Russia’s first call-up of fighting-aged men since World War II. The total number of reservists involved could be as high as 300,000.