As Russia heads toward parliamentary elections, fears of a new military mobilization for the war in Ukraine are prompting some Russians to leave the country despite repeated Kremlin denials.

Many are relocating to neighboring Georgia, which became a major destination after Russia's 2022 mobilization drive.

Why are so many Russians apparently not prepared to believe what the Kremlin says? And what makes Georgia particularly attractive to Russians who are trying to leave quickly?

DW put these and other questions to Natalya Kovaleva, fellow in the Russia and Eurasia program at Chatham House in London.