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Russia has begun self-styled referendums in four Ukrainian regions it has occupied. The referendums will ask whether these regions should join Russia.

There will be no external monitors of the vote. Despite Moscow's assertion that it has asked other countries to oversee the process, none have come forward publicly to say they were approached.

This is happening as Russian authorities start calling up army reserves. But some men are so worried about fighting they are fleeing Russia - airline tickets have sold out since the announcement and there are huge queues at the border with Finland for those wanting to escape.

Â鶹Éç Newsday spoke to 'George,' an experienced soldier who would be a reluctant draftee. He was first conscripted into the Russian army as a private but ended up as a sergeant and squad commander. Since then, he has had a civilian job. For his safety we are not giving his real name.

"I'd rather end up in jail than serve in this mad, expansionist war. Up to a million people could be called up - not just 300,000 – so the possibility of being called up looks likely. I have no intention of leaving Russia."

"The majority of people are looking for ways to leave or move from the apartment they are registered to. I don't know what is the reason so many thousands are being killed in this war."

(Pic: A billboard in Russia recruiting troops Credit: EPA)

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