Don’t Close the Doors to Russia’s Refuseniks

In the days since Vladimir Putin ordered Russia’s largest mobilization since World War II, some 400,000 Russians have fled the country, with many more attempting to follow. Some neighbors, including European Union states, are fretting about the consequences. The reluctance of front-line countries to absorb new waves of Russian exiles is understandable — but closing the doors to them will only strengthen Putin and undermine the West’s goals in Ukraine.

Putin’s mobilization order has shocked the Russian public, much of which had until now regarded the invasion as an unpleasant mess to be ignored. Though the Kremlin claims its call-up of 300,000 troops applies only to former military personnel, there’s ample evidence the net is being cast far wider. Russia’s annexation of areas in Ukraine that its forces barely hold will require even more men to be rushed to the front; many are reportedly being deployed without medical checks or substantial training. In one unverified video widely circulated on social media, an officer tells recruits to bring their own mats, tourniquets and even tampons to stanch the bleeding from bullet wounds. Pharmacies have reported a run on first aid kits and material.