Many Russian men fleeing conscription have left for neighbouring country Kazakhstan – a close ally.

But the Central Asian state is set to tighten its visa rules in a bid to make it more difficult for Russian refugees.

From January 26, visitors belonging to the Eurasian Economic Union, including Russia, will only be allowed to stay in the country for 90 days within a 180-day period, according to the Kazak government.

Russians used to be allowed to stay in the country indefinitely, reportedly by using “visa runs” every three months.