Russian rejectors flee the Ukraine crisis by hiding out of fear

It means he has been given a clean bill of health and should be in Ukraine, fighting on the front lines of Moscow's fierce and bloody year-long offensive.

But the Russian in his 20s -- wearing a hoodie and holding the army papers in his hands -- is nowhere near the battles for Ukraine's industrial east.

Instead, he is hiding from the authorities, trapped in his own country and living in fear of being punished for refusing to fight and his stance on the conflict.

"Taking part in this disgrace marks you for life," he said, describing Russia's intervention in Ukraine as "barbaric" and "criminal".

Dmitry, whose name has been changed for security reasons and said at an undisclosed location in Russia, was among at least 300,000 reservists called up last year.

When President Vladimir Putin announced the mobilisation drive on state television in late September, it sparked a frantic exodus of military-aged men from the country.

Some, who didn't want to leave the country or didn't have the means, claimed exemptions on medical or professional grounds.

Others like Dmitry -- and nobody knows the exact figure -- just ignored the orders.