How welcome are Russian deserters in Georgia? | Focus on Europe

Some 100,000 Russian deserters have fled to Georgia so far. The nation maintains very close, but also rather strained relations with its neighbor - after all the most recent war with Russia wasn’t that long ago. Just how welcome are the deserting Russians? How are they faring in a foreign country after an often-risky journey out of Russia? How are they getting along with the Ukrainian refugees also accepted in large numbers by Georgia? DW reporter Oxana Evdokimova reports from the Georgian capital Tbilisi.
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#Russia #Georgia #Ukraine

[@yunusemresahin6430]

To be honest most of the Russian people I have met in my country were not responding hospitality with humbleness, they were the most bratty even disrespectful ones out of all tourist groups. So beyond obvious political reasons, I can understands why there might be a stigma against Russians abroad.

[@WhatHappenedIn-vt3vq]

Iv meet like 10 Russians in my life. Most were like you described them or proud to be the point of almost being vulgar, but there was on who was super friendly

[@yunusemresahin6430]

@@WhatHappenedIn-vt3vq Kinda like Turks and I am that one 😋😄

[@jimmysundberg2376]

I took class on world culture, this is one of there long standing trait. I define it as “brutal honesty”

[@vipecrx]

It's not stigma if it's true.

[@onikin]

I've gotten the same feelings from Chinese tourists.

[@Y4nkStyle]

To die for someone else dreams is just insanity. To die for defending ur country is something else. I dont blame them , i would done the same thing together with my family

[@ignasiodondo3396]

To die for a rich conniving comedian is worse

[@hs342]

Cool you support donald trump the draft dodger. Good to know.

[@ignasiodondo3396]

@@hs342 Definitely over the current one and his vice?

[@laurentTru7450]

And what do you say to the residents of Donbass? Swallow?? I'm sure you would have fled also, no doubt....

[@-XXXXXX-]

@@ignasiodondo3396 Ukrainians are defending their country, your beloved dictator is the invader of this story

[@stupifyingstupedity2112]

Rational people generally run away from insane animals. Good call.

[@IgorFranknstn27]

Seriously? You are supporting the people who don't have shame for running away when their country needs them the most, but when everything is peaceful they have the audacity to room around the pavement road, the schools, the museums, the hospitals, the parks, and etc. the government has provided them for FREE! They better not come back, we don't need them anymore here.

[@stupifyingstupedity2112]

@@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings Didn't Putin start the whole thing by positioning his troops at Ukraine's border? You know... Just before invading it? Short memory can be a sign of selective dishonesty or of a medical condition. You may seek guidance for both.

[@cameronbell6183]

It’s because they have the money to run away. The poor will be conscripted and sent to the slaughter. Their deaths will be cherished and their families will be laughed at. We should all be ashamed.

[@cupcakechronicles4551]

Russians are Russians, then there's the goverment.

[@TheBandit7613]

When a country takes you in, learn their language as fast as possible. Take classes. It's a respect thing. When in Georgia, learn Georgian.

[@Hacking-NASSA-with-HTML]

What if you go to Switzerland?

[@Hacking-NASSA-with-HTML]

Or Canada 🤔?

[@Northman-from-the-North]

@@Hacking-NASSA-with-HTML learn English

[@Northman-from-the-North]

@@Hacking-NASSA-with-HTML learn german

[@YPO6]

@@Hacking-NASSA-with-HTML you learn all languages spoken in Switzerland.

[@marlenfras5490]

No matter what anyone says, Russian men, to not fight means you will be there to rebuild and there will be a next generation. God be with you.

[@rajlowkie6616]

In that case, PUTIN is cleaning Russian house of warmonger and bad actors by shuttling them to UKRAINE 🇺🇦 with rusty guns & summer military uniforms.

[@jansenart0]

The ones who fled mobilization would've been screaming support and racist slurs against Ukraine if the war went well. These men are cowards. The only good Russians are the pre-war exiles and the ones Putin jailed for protesting the war in the first place. Слава Україні

[@bonson9156]

God, yes. It's not like anyone else is trying to help. They should though.

[@williamgary7891]

Love from America Georgia

[@williamgary7891]

@@Ksins1 so sweet 🧁🎂

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: If deploying Weapons,Mercenaries At USA doorstep(Cuba) - Not Allowed At Russias doorstep(Ukraine) - Allowed Democracy,Imperialism?

[@olowrohek9540]

Why U have Georgia in USA from Georg Washington? This Caucasian Georgia is 2000 years old about Roman empire times

[@martinwatts3796]

Have several views on this - live in Tbilisi, my step-daughter cannot get a flight home for Christmas, due to a huge influx of people from Russia. Property prices through the roof, to purchase or rent. Food at an all time high cost. Too many were let in, although I feel sorry - government not doing enough to help... Ukrainians are fleeing for their lives, Russians are fleeing conscription, Russians outweigh Ukrainians in number many times over. Imbalance with large minority of Russians compared to local population. However, feel sorry for every Russian who is evading call up, but FSB is also in Georgia embedded with organisations. Dangerous times for all. Slava Ukraini, Heroyam Slava

[@jokesonyou1373]

Would you rather these "deserters" stayed in Russia and joined the mobilisation of Putin's draft??? 🤡

[@ytzpilot]

To be honest airline prices, property prices and food prices are high everywhere in the world, I live in New Zealand and we currently have a declining population and our prices on all those things are just as high

[@MafiaBossGBA]

@@jokesonyou1373 I don't think he meant anything like this

[@JT-ct2bn]

They wouldn't go to Georgia if you didn't make it much harder for them to go to Europe, block MasterCard/Visa for Russians outside of Russia and cancel the lease on planes. People flee where they can.

[@jokesonyou1373]

@@ytzpilot Of course they'll be high if there are fewer people buying them ya tool

[@libertyoverbondage]

Nobody has any obligation to die for the vile actions of politicians and oligarchs, neither will have to suffer the horrors of war. Wars stop when we don't fight them anymore!

[@QanatGiniat]

Well done Alexandr and Alexey!

[@debugin1227]

Good on them for being awake

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: If deploying Weapons,Mercenaries At USA doorstep(Cuba) - Not Allowed At Russias doorstep(Ukraine) - Allowed Democracy,Imperialism?

[@Truthseeker88888]

Awake to what? Not wanting to be in a conflict? Ok. But it is far more complex of an issue for why the conflict is happening than what the western media is portraying. Putin is no angel or savior, but I can understand his reasons.

[@debugin1227]

@@Truthseeker88888 you are backing a loser. The pain you feel is defeat

[@shahbazquraishy143]

Only love can end hate. Kudos to Georgians from India.

[@dinnerman5]

I feel bad that Russians think nato wants to 'conquer' them. It baffles me how they can go to war and then demand we back off.

[@japspeedgirl6216]

Don’t feel bad about somebody else’s delusions.

[@CDang-ms6dc]

For people who sympathise with Russia, NATO always wants to break Russia whatsoever. NATO's refusal to back off during the crisis leading to 24 February and increasing Ukraine-NATO alignment demonstrated at the time only comfirmed Russia's fear and anti-West narrative. We won't understand the true cause of this tragedy unless we recognise and treat equally the emotions and grivances on both sides.

[@rene8445]

@@CDang-ms6dc Try to explain that to mentally limited individuals.

[@mihaelac2472]

​@@CDang-ms6dc so, should Eastern European rather be given to Putin to terrorise like he terrorises his own people? What about if it were you and your family given up to not make a powerful neighbour feel restricted in his aggressive actions?

[@fuckfannyfiddlefart]

Both things can be true. Save Ukraine ABOLISH NATO

[@polska451]

I betrayed Putin love his smile when he said that ❤

[@luckyluke1503]

He is a coward and Russia is not a place for cowards.

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

@@Loveisreal77 Russia needs brave citizens, people who stand up for their rights and not be sent to war , aka "Special Military Operations " for somebody's dream of glory and remaking an Empire of days gone by,like a century ago, apparently such citizens don't exist in Russia , they prefer to believe Putins lies and are cowed by him and the Security Apparatchik , Putin got Russians by the neck, he will lead them to ruin or death, You headed to Ukraine? The enlistment office is calling!!!!200,000 RUBLES Signup bonus!!!!🤣

[@Serendip98]

@@Loveisreal77 Russia needs slaves, zombies and patriotic fascists. At least Putler needs them.

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: If deploying Weapons,Mercenaries At USA doorstep(Cuba) - Not Allowed At Russias doorstep(Ukraine) - Allowed Democracy,Imperialism?

[@katrinegadegaard1241]

@@Loveisreal77 well it kind of is forbidden when you speak about this war thing going on, isn't it? Or can you say whatever you want about that?

[@chipbower361]

I know the current focus is on Ukraine but Georgia needs its land back as well.

[@lukecastle2538]

Russia needs it land back

[@pretendtheresaname9213]

@@lukecastle2538 Russia needs their authoritarian regime to end.

[@DanielVen-fy7or]

Hope Georgia will take it back.🇺🇦🇬🇪

[@bentrinker1937]

If Georgia wants to now would be the time lol Russia did nothing when Azerbaijan bitchslapped Arminia.

[@locybapsi174]

Serbia needs Kosovo back too. Both Russia and NATO should back off from where they don't belong

[@deozeo4442]

Gamarjoba Georgians. 👋🐈 When my young daughter was stationed in Camp Warhorse, Baqubah Iraq, 2004-2005, as a USArmy field medic, she often wrote of the Georgian soldiers whom she had met, treated, and befriended. They became the bright bits of humor, brilliant antics, warm stories of their homeland and sincere friendships during the long days and nights of existence within that hostile environment (much from her own "buds"). So...madloba! 🐈

[@incorrectbeans]

Stalin was a Georgian, too, so you might wanna be more cautious with your praise. You find good people everywhere, just as you find bad people in every corner of this beautiful planet.

[@paulgibbon5991]

@@incorrectbeans It takes active effort to be that much of a joyless sourpuss. I mean, you put WORK into that.

[@deozeo4442]

@@paulgibbon5991 Bravo! 👏 Thank you!! 🐈

[@Tyler-xf6fd]

​@@incorrectbeans Why even bother throwing Stalin into it? Without a doubt the average Georgian displays love and kindness even after being hurt for so long throughout history. Figure out the average joe, not the one or two bad guys that came from a nation or you might as well just not speak at all as there's literally no point to it since every nation has had one. You just sound miserable and conflicted... Don't get people to confuse Stalin with the Nation of Georgia, they deserve all the praise as they're currently on the right side of history.

[@lashachakhunashvili1399]

@@incorrectbeans a "Georgian" who was made what he was in Russia.

[@anmnou]

Peace on earth to all people of good will...

[@davidmurphy563]

And victory to Ukraine!

[@blazzinghastevelasco5814]

People shoud really change their mindset. These russians who fled from their country just want to live in peace and we should welcome them. Its already a good thing that they didn't join the mobilization.

[@obelix703]

3:27 - “Speak English, bro!” Must be devastating for some Russians to hear (even anti-Putin Russians). Having said that, I hope Duolingo puts out a Georgian course soon, because I want to learn some of their language.

[@palar4195]

first of all, ppl who fled to evade conscription are not deserters since they are not enlisted. second - why not talk english, it is just polite to speak they new masters tongue. btw, georgian is hard, and have not many speakers, try turkish, is same region but many more speakers including georgians.

[@bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477]

@@palar4195 nah screw turkish

[@KaiserMattTygore927]

@@palar4195 They might not be able to speak it.

[@alekseiloboda2553]

@@palar4195 most of Georgians know Russian you know?

[@alekseiloboda2553]

@@Phantamoon yes, sadly they don't have to be polite and welcoming.

[@jbh2761]

These guys want a future without Putin’s WAR and I completely understand , wishing you the best and a peaceful future .

[@climategladiator]

These Russians should use the "Freedom" and opportunity that they have to organize themselves against Fascism in their nation

[@Hacking-NASSA-with-HTML]

😂😂😂 That girl afraid of own shadow! Nobody needs her actually in Russia 🤷😁

[@lokivato]

Easier said than done

[@impcec6734]

Yeah, where they can be arrested and then forcibly conscripted into the army again.

[@cjmatulka8321]

Like they said at the last moments of the interview, the Russians don't even want to talk about it. Freedom to most intelligent Russians is to quietly leave the motherland mess for others to glean and clean and make nice again, regardless of economic status.

[@user-yj7um6hv1d]

Nah we're just chillin and having good time

[@likquidsteel]

People like Alexandr and Alexey are the minority of enlightened Russians. The great majority I believe are totally self-absorbed and apathetic to the Ukraine war (and Georgia's politics vis-a-vis Russia). It's revolting.

[@checkeredflagfilms]

courageous young men

[@RumblesBettr]

Courageous men would fight to overthrow the insane gov in russia. These men are cowards

[@evilsimeon]

How is running courageous?

[@shadowsilverlight1651]

yep, if they were "brave" they would stay and find for their country...not run like cowards

[@shadowsilverlight1651]

the ran, putin is still in power..how is that good for them?

[@checkeredflagfilms]

@@RumblesBettr everyone knows the answer to that

[@deecee1522]

Thousands of Russians going home in bodybags

[@Hacking-NASSA-with-HTML]

One day us a will pay for that. It's only their fault and greediness for dominance.

[@LukasSRR]

​@@Hacking-NASSA-with-HTML Yeah like russia dont want to dominate their neighbours lol stfu ivan

[@diazvirdani1059]

*Georgia🇬🇪 have problem with Russia in Abkhazia & south Ossetia.* Russia must neutral & peace!

[@napoleonbonaparte4396]

Russia wants it for himself. Russia already took Sochi and a small piece of land of the Caucasus, while Turkey took Southern part of Georgia (that was arrangement as a Turkish-Russian brotherhood relations in 1921). Russia wants more lands.

[@palar4195]

@@napoleonbonaparte4396 Waitin' ya again, with love. Berezina.

[@brandono.454]

wow his own mother is ashamed of him for not going to the front lines...twisted!

[@paolotorres8537]

His own mother is a brainwashed Kremlin drone

[@ebubechiibegbula5968]

These so called deserters are the real heros.... I can only imagine what they had to endure ....

[@pipo4158]

Why heroes??? They didnt care before mobilisation. So they were ok for the war. No they were afraid to go thats all

[@user-xi3cv9xj5b]

@@pipo4158 Yep, sure you know berter or maybe not?

[@stevemcgowen]

They left so they could buy iPhone 14…

[@kangnyetir]

@@stevemcgowen whats with Iphone14?

[@wychan2004]

God save Georgia... Russian next target... to protect them....

[@bentrinker1937]

They’ve already been invaded by Russians in the South Ossetia.

[@Alfadrottning86]

Running away from this regime certainly is a sign of strength. However .. those people allowed the regime to operate, too. Yes, Russia is not democratic, but they were likely politically apathetic and did not care very much .. as long as it did not bother them. What did they do when Russia claimed Crimea? .. did they care? did they become active? .. did they discuss it, argue with friends and family .. try to talk to people about it? Too many people are apolitical .. and they enable tyrants.

[@hs342]

I guess donald tump is strong to you then right?

[@shazam992]

You are completely right. If they were so against the current regime, the people of Russia would have risen against it in 2014. I am convinced they are fleeing now because they are in a risk of mobilization, not because they disagree with the regime.

[@TheValkosuklaa]

Some weren’t even apolitical. Some were waving russian flags, cheering for their troops and praising Putin like it was a goddamn ice hockey game. As soon as they had to get into the field, they started to peel Z markings from their cars and flee

[@frits191]

Yeah disagree and you'll "dissapear", you do realize thats how dictatorships work? happens in china, happens in north korea, happens in iran, also happens here, people are afraid to get silenced. Protestors for the war for example; most got 3+ years for going on the street and protesting, that's the reality. It's easy to say oh why didn't they just do something about it, well I don't know if I would in their position, to protect my loved ones and family, not saying it makes it right, but fear is a dictators greatest weapon.

[@samsungqled1167]

I cannot look at these young, healthy, strong Russian guys and think they are victims, not in the big picture. Ukrainians are victims of their inaction, of their cowardliness. These Russian guys represent Russia, the Russian people does not mind the war, the majority supports their leader. The Russian people is not a victim in this conflict, they are the aggressor state.

[@hotmomma8823]

He is not. A deserter he just left before they were drafted

[@wom_Bat]

So a draft dodger?

[@kehindeogundeji7410]

@@wom_Bat love your smart comment.

[@hs342]

Like donald trump?

[@andybeckett4340]

@@hs342 no more like obuma or Biden never occurred to be a soldier for your country

[@Blodhelm]

@@andybeckett4340 Captain "bone spurs" got his daddy to pay off a doctor and write him a note. Obama wasn't old enough. Biden was in college. The key difference is in who is willing to send others to die but unwilling to go himself. The most famous draft dodger was Bill Clinton.

[@moniho6907]

I swear I watched this already

[@jokesonyou1373]

Yeah. Same. About 2 weeks ago at least

[@diamine75]

It's moving to finally see reasonable and sensible people from Russia addressing the folly of Putin as it should.

[@maskkoksa]

Whatever your opinion is about Russians, you should remember that every desertion and a draft dodger is a casualty to the Russian army and every succesful escape creates a story that encourages others and turns the sentiment against the war, since it will spread through their friends and relatives to the wider public eventually leading to the other draftees. It therefore is every much as important to allow them to escape or even to help them as it is to support Ukraine directly. Hate is not the only tool that can be used here.

[@lev6622]

No, no, no: no “coming back home”. Stay there!!! If some of them admitted honestly that they were afraid to die, that would be , at least, understandable.

[@user-eh2hj8bx6i]

Respect to the Georgian people for trying to be welcoming. As someone from a country which is a melting pot I try not to let a few bad apples immigrants taint the view of all immigrants especially since my recent ancestors were immigrants. I hope that Russia will have to leave Ukraine soon and that somehow it will give back the land it stole from Georgia.

[@Mike-ccu]

Congratulations to Georgia.

[@lev6622]

They received many cowards 😅)!

[@Zetler]

Why die for Putin? Make no sense.

[@archlich4489]

Thank you, Georgia! Be well, everyone! 😃

[@beatroot_red]

Much respect to Georgian people. It's time for the Russians to return home and fight for freedom there. It's their country after all. Stop the madness.

[@s1nb4d59]

Im sure this was shown not long ago?

[@Igorinrussia]

Re-releasing older videos? Saw this few months ago

[@2006glg]

I had no idea what a Georgian looked like. The people there are beautiful.

[@kol1929]

On tanks supplies to Ukraine, Scholtz is further bound by the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact -))

[@GnosticAtheist]

I wonder what I would do if I was Russian. I would like to believe I would ... Actually, nevermind. I would be an alcoholic and probably be long dead.

[@palar4195]

y'know, in harsh times someone will break, someone become stronger. At Yeltsin reign there was extreme harsh time.

[@Blodhelm]

Alcoholic Russian is a redundant term.

[@GnosticAtheist]

@@palar4195 Yeah and I would probably break. Well, I would have had a completely different upbringing so I actually dont know.

[@3dprintmiami]

a Russian Georgian hippy commune... never imagined one of those existed :o

[@RedBlackDish]

Deserters - the people with the most important opinions!

[@DutchPlanDerLinde]

I feel no compassion whatsoever for most of these men, they were perfectly okay with the war in ukraine untill they had to risk their own back in it

[@ashamer7776]

What were they supposed to do instead?

[@axelrose9383]

@@ashamer7776 they can go mass protest like in iran.

[@Pining_for_the_fjords]

One of the men did protest.

[@AlE-kc7yw]

They need to divide the groups of Russians that came over into two groups. Those that came over as soon as the war started, and those that came over after the announcement of the mobilization.

[@ashamer7776]

@@AlE-kc7yw And then?

[@shazam992]

If they were so against the current regime, the people of Russia would have risen against it in 2014. I am convinced they are fleeing now because they are in a risk of mobilization, not because they disagree with the regime.

[@sergeybebenin]

Agreed. I keep hearing excuses "ruSSians can't organize into a protest movement". Well, There were lines on the Georgian border alone consisting of 100s of thousands of men. This mini army should have been going to Red Square instead of the border. Already organized

[@jjj6988]

"Just do a revolution, silly" basically your words

[@McLKeith]

The people of Russia only hear one side of the story. There is no free press.

[@taro7145]

People in crimea Willfully want to join Russia while Ukrainians are not.

[@sergeybebenin]

@@McLKeith In 21st century they have access to the world press. Give me a break. They have a choice and they picked the chauvinists side

[@502opz346]

The translation isnt correct, he said - the best way out of front line is to surrender and never be traded back to russia... By saying that, i think trading back means that they gonna send you back into front line again...

[@richidollarr4578]

I would like to mention a bit in this video, I am not Russian nor Georgian, but I live in Russia since last 10 11 years , if not 90% of Georgian then 85% of Georgian people living in Moscow , and earning good amount every month , and they are so so welcomed in Russia , and they speak in Russian , but when Russian started to move to Gorgia and how they get treated there is awfull , becuase its Putins war not Russians , but anyways I came back to Russia and now am not sure if Georgian people will welcomed same like before

[@targe4070]

Lol, Georgia lost the war remeber? Got their butt kick big time by Mavedev. Still salty that they are Ukranian lite, thats why they hate Russian ever since. 🤣🤣🤣

[@richidollarr4578]

@@targe4070 according to me , Russia is a strong country , and Russians are strong people , yes what's happening at the moment everyone is against this war inside Russia , but can you or we can do anything against government, nope , and regarding Gorgia, am so disappointed from there behaviour, I wonder how will they come back to Russia for work

[@kahaiberieli2962]

You forgeting main thing. Georgia didn't occupy russian regions, but russia did. Keep that in mind and then judge us.

[@richidollarr4578]

@@kahaiberieli2962 still , still all Georgians work in Russia

[@LukasSRR]

​@@richidollarr4578 but I guess georgians speak russian language

[@iliaaronia7025]

DW news team, would have been nice if you shared opinions of more Georgian people, their feelings, thoughts, fears and hopes. How would any of you feel if 100K deserters from a country which commited Genocide against your people fled to your country? probably not safe or welcoming. While we Georgians are paragons of hospitality, the aceptance of such huge numbers of Russians in Georgia has little to do with this and everything to do with traitorous, pro-Russian Government that is in power currently. Their policies directly aim to intertwine Georgia with Russia, economically, politically and socially, which is a source of much protest and discontent among the population. These two Ruskies, are an absolute exception to the majority of their countrymen who are disrespectful, entiteled and have no sense of where they are, no desire to respect locals and their traditions.customs, they simply act like Georgia is an extension of their country ( but without war and sanctions) which is again the fault of the Oligarch-Run government. I truly wish that most Russians were like these 2 you have shown here ( and worth keeping in mind that people are likely to apprear bening on camera, who knows how they are truly) but most here are simply true Russians - imperialist, inconsiderate and downright disrespectful. Concusively, ask yourselves how many "deserters" would desert if their country was winning the war in Ukraine.

[@alexbaltheodosius8320]

Lets be honest. Georgian home owners and hotels got increased rent payments, georgian bar owners got new visitors than georgian banks . Georgian goverment got inreased tax payments. Win-win for them and they don't care about your tales

[@YujiroHanmaaaa]

@@alexbaltheodosius8320 untill Putin decide for Russia to invade Georgia again

[@camilostore7467]

Russian who arrived in Georgia yesterday and asks you a question in Russian doesn't mean they're disrespectful, they all know that most georgians understand Russian. Some of them don't know English and definitely not georgian

[@jasminelovemusic446]

I'm truly sad for the people of russia as they need to fled out in their country to be safe...God bless them

[@stevemcgowen]

80% support Putler snd the war. They just won’t die for him…

[@onikin]

@@russell6075 they could stay and die. Fight the 2 million security forces with machine guns and body armor with some sticks and rocks. The world wouldn't care and wouldn't help, just as the world hasn't helped Russian protests since they started in 2011. Not everyone wants to die for nothing, though.

[@Daehawk]

Pretty sad for them. They love their city their country their home but they hate their leaders their government. Happens to many countries. We need a world government that acts for the people...for the human race...not for power or money or territory or themselves . We need to come together in peace and freedom.

[@angeliquestarkey9149]

God Bless the people that don't want to fight in Vladimir Putin's evil War

[@georgedoolittle7574]

Betrayal is to call those fleeing Russia at the moment *"deserters"* and I highly doubt the Republic of Georgia sees the situation as such. Many may in fact choose to start fighting on the side of Ukraine and elsewhere if Putin continues forth with economic collapse with said clear now War of Aggression for personal aggrandizement only. Whatever the translation certainly a Georgia Legion operating in Ukraine since Day One 2022 absolutely. What that means for the entire Terek River Valley can only be speculated upon this is true as well.

[@xl6941]

When push comes to shove, and media is spewing contradicting information, citizens mostly will back their own government. It takes huge heart to dodge draft/ defect/desert

[@IndiaVirus-Orginof-C0vid]

These are the few... The rest of the Russians are fair game. Even the Russian separatists...

[@Mr.Canuck]

Looks like Georgia just made russias "to do" list once again.

[@denseddank5658]

Strong vodka make strong man!

[@perthpete7906]

Heroes!

[@1p4142136]

@2:15 Uncle Enriquez, isn’t that name Hispanic?

[@BG-fc3em]

You have to be in the armed forces to be a deserter. Betraying Putin is not a crime.

[@IndiaVirus-Orginof-C0vid]

Georgia is not far enough I really hope they don't turn Russian separatist...

[@MattBrain9336]

I wouldn't call them deserters, they never supported the war anyway Deserters are those who supported something, then changed their mind when they see imminent defeat

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

Georgia has to be careful, Putin just may invade it and perform a " SPECIAL Military Operations" to rescue Russians .🤣

[@user-yj7um6hv1d]

Putin does not need to come up with a fancy reason. If he wanted to invade, he could simply invade. The country is super small. Only ~3.7 million citizens.

[@paolotorres8537]

Not if those Russians have anything to say about it

[@WhatHappenedIn-vt3vq]

He bombed it in 2008 and I think 2005. Pile it up with true Russian patriots who love their family and countrymen more then they love the oligarchy and that might create enough homeland backlash to ensure it never happens again

[@bentrinker1937]

Russia has already invaded in the South Ossetia region.

[@rouz0]

Nice, any one who don't want to die or become a personer should leave Russia.

[@kibikikibiki1418]

Tiblisi? For real, DW?

[@waso778]

Yeah a shame normal they write wrong like this Tblisi lol

[@gadelamirdianala2798]

it's all about freedom to choose the kind of life to live.. those who curtail that are just not fit to be human beings...

[@owenb8636]

No one should ever have to fight a war they don't believe in or be made to feel bad about it. If Putin couldn't convince these men it was a necessary fight, that's his fault not theirs. He won't be dying for this war

[@ontheplayground1871]

Why is a guy fleeing a deserter and a woman fleeing is a survivor?

[@Blodhelm]

One is expected to fight, the other is not. Pretty basic.

[@Hacking-NASSA-with-HTML]

Gender Equality bs at its finest 🤷😂

[@meandego]

Rational people will never fight for irrational fantasies of corrupt elite.

[@clemthompson5336]

Feel very sorry for deserters, for who's forced to go to war and kills innocent lives, and also fell sorry to see two neighborhood countries fight because of political games.😢😢 May Almighty God bless innocent souls 🙏

[@Bokfanlettucelip]

We're so quick to judge but we should really feel sympathy for these young men. What a terrible choice to have to make... Regarding their language. They don't know any better. Give these guys a break and you might be surprised how much they have to give back.

[@bentrinker1937]

They should make an effort to learn Georgian or English but ppl shouldn’t be overly hostile to them. It’s not like they had months of planning and had time to learn the language.

[@Bokfanlettucelip]

@@bentrinker1937 Yeah. They should learn the language. At least enough to get by.

[@LS-Moto]

@@bentrinker1937 Many that will stay in Georgia probably will. It takes a long time to learn a new language, especially when its very different from your own. Its not always easy to learn a new language, while trying to make a living as well. I agree that they should learn it, but also don't expect any profound language skills in a month or two. That can take up to 2 years.

[@davidberi2520]

They are most not welcome to my country.

[@IndustrialMilitia]

The Georgians are wonderful people!

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

A draft dodger ain't a deserter.

[@jamessephar9458]

A coward is a coward.

[@flawyerlawyertv7454]

Go fight then!

[@jamessephar9458]

@@flawyerlawyertv7454 They would run away, they are cowards!

[@honyeechou3308]

running 9

[@lambdaspecialist_source]

The draft dodgers done good. Don't fight this war. Even if you wanted to you would be severely underequiped.

[@stevenhenry5267]

Should have joined the Free Legion.

[@hihellokitty85]

Rerun.

[@findAplaceToCallHome]

No respect for any of them other than the one who went to a demonstration and was detained.

[@anthonywanjala558]

So ,what the point?this is not news at all

[@lashachakhunashvili1399]

Looking forward to the time when foreigners start to call Tbilisi the way it's actually called (exactly as it's spelled) instead of this weirdly funny "Tiblisi". :)

[@TrixiLovesYou]

Some Russian soldiers are fighting with Ukraine against thug Ruzzia. That takes huge balls. I guess deserting is better than nothing.

[@Hacking-NASSA-with-HTML]

80 years ago some Russian soldiers fight for reich too 🤷 History repeats itself.

[@PedroElPolako]

Yeah, Goergians are 100% right and should be cautious, I applaud those Russians but I can't find any sympathy, especially hearing the guy speaking about language, I had similar experience in Warsaw, they come here and expect people to understand their Mongolian Chants.

[@ananamu2248]

Are the fleeing Russians adding to the countries that Harbour them and protestt thru internet and photographs ....I'd like to see more of the good things done in their countries

[@geneleo2809]

❤

[@davidt6376]

Nice slippers dude 🤣

[@davidt6376]

@@iii___iii nahhh - I don't play on the pink team. Just saying. Wha... U have a problem or something..

[@airis3333]

Do they ever protest the war outside ruski embassies? I don't think so, they are just there for their own benefit. still very selfish people.

[@paperandmedals8316]

It’s on every Russian that has found refuge from military service in another country to learn that country’s language and culture, and live it. Don’t risk your host’s sovereignty and future because Russia fascism has followed Russian speakers.

[@stevenhenry5267]

They should be joining the Free Legion.

[@florencelow3142]

Did Stalin, one of Russia's greatest leader, come from Georgia ??? Were Russia and Georgia one family in history ????

[@waso778]

Omg we much different people as Russian people. There slavic people, like most eastern Europe countries.

[@m.junaidmahmood4209]

You do not run to a country where you had war some time ago.. Its better to run to Africa...somewhere far

[@wom_Bat]

They technically still kinda are. russia inches the border up every month.

[@The.Curious]

Yep. I wonder where the professional soldier fought in the past...

[@vasiliareshka7358]

What about ukrainian deserters in Europe?

[@zombie676]

wait is Stalin not a Georgian?

[@waso778]

So??

[@tonymckay6556]

better to be coward than to die forever

[@Leon_RED]

Not killing innocent people for a corrupt government equals coward? Okay...

[@jarvisxu2534]

yes also beter to hide than to harm anyone who is incconect and got nothing to do with the whole war

[@phlezktravels]

lol "forever"

[@gioniioane8217]

@Uncle Sam 🏴‍☠️ i agree ...its just the way it is :( We sometimes give too much value for our own lives Which is not WRONG initially ...but it becomes wrong when further concessions in the name of it are being made :(

[@suportbghelp4938]

@@Leon_RED If all Ukrainians is innocent, where is corrupted ones, and why our world is not already heaven.Ukraine can be heaven for 30 years democracy whit all this good, trustworthy, ressilent, innocent, brave, righteous people.

[@lenazubova6692]

Has anyone seen a similar report about Ukrainian men fleeing their country? Or is it impossible?

[@NinjaBehindTheScene]

Ukraine doesn't need more men in their army as the two top generals said in the economist interview Ukranians outfight Russian slaves what they need our weapons

[@user-dr5li1xl6i]

The whole trouble is that men are forbidden to leave Ukraine, if a Ukrainian man tries to leave Ukraine, he will be put in jail or sent to fight like cannon fodder!

[@suportbghelp4938]

All rich mens, flee Ukraine from the begin.Poor fools who cant bribe guards fights now in frozen trench.

[@The.Curious]

No western media would report on that. But if you pay attention to KZbin comments across European channels, you will find quite a few about young Ukrainian men driving fancy cars and enjoying their new life in Europe.

[@axis1662]

Salty Ruskies whataboutists are crying AF 😆

[@HeroInHelp]

Repost.

[@Robin-bk2lm]

Complicated. No one wins war.

[@Blodhelm]

Tell that to Germany, Japan and the Allies. Sometimes there are very clear winners. Just a lot of people lose everything in the process.

[@flawyerlawyertv7454]

😮

[@julioestorino4752]

Georgia should clean the house ASAP, and join NATO also ASAP.