Russians Soldiers were given just 4 hours to pack their bags, say goodbyes to their families | VIDEO

In an effort to support the faltering war effort in Ukraine, Moscow started its mandatory soldier call-up on Thursday. According to authorities, thousands of volunteers came forward even as Russian men fled the country to avoid being recruited.

Since President Vladimir Putin ordered the mobilisation of reservists on Wednesday, amateur video shared on social media has claimed to show hundreds of Russian people across responding to military summonses. The call-up occurred as referendums on whether to join Russia are to be held in Moscow-controlled regions of Ukraine in the coming days. Kyiv and its allies have criticised the referendums as an unlawful territorial grab.