Russians continue to leave the country, driven by fears of a potential new military draft and growing concerns over personal freedoms. This year, many have fled amid rumors of a new mobilization for the war in Ukraine and increasing government restrictions. One 28-year-old digital content marketer, who left Russia with his family, cited the political situation and internet restrictions as his reasons for leaving. He described the decision as difficult, leaving behind friends and family, unsure when he might return. The decision to leave has been influenced by recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory, which caused a fuel crisis and disrupted the e-commerce sector. These attacks have also been used by the government to justify internet restrictions, making it harder for some to work or access information. Unlike in 2022, when many men fled to avoid a partial military draft, there are no long lines at border crossings or shortages of plane tickets to nearby countries like Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Turkey. However, social media is filled with discussions of people considering leaving Russia. Some are motivated by war-related fears, while others are concerned about the economy, shrinking freedoms, and an uncertain future. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials in Kyiv have claimed Russia is planning another mobilization after the State Duma election, a claim the Kremlin has denied. A Moscow-based diplomat, speaking anonymously, described a rise in public anxiety and noted more Russians appearing in neighboring countries like Georgia and Armenia, possibly fearing another draft. Some Russians are seeking to avoid military service, while others are fleeing a climate of growing repression. A 23-year-old Muscovite who recently left Russia cited fears that her husband might be drafted. Her father had narrowly escaped being drafted in 2022 by fleeing the country. This year, her husband lost his deferment from military service after earning his master’s degree. "A person can figure anything out, but we were really afraid that (my husband) could end up in the army, because at this point it is a one-way ticket," she said. Others, like university graduate Ivan Nazarov, are fleeing due to reports of conscripts being forced into combat roles against their will. Many Russians also cite shrinking freedoms as a reason to leave. Queer activist Daniil Neonov fled Russia after being detained and jailed for posting a photo of a rainbow-themed T-shirt online. Russian authorities have labeled the international LGBT movement as extremist, leading to criminal charges for displaying rainbow symbols. Neonov said he feared a criminal case against him and noted others who left after being detained for protesting. A 35-year-old Russian man, who spoke anonymously, said he is preparing to leave due to the lack of free speech, economic decline, and school propaganda promoting war. He described Russia as "a huge digital jail," where people can no longer express themselves freely.