As harsh sanctions and authorities in Russia increase pressure on the economy and its citizens, some Russians have decided to leave the country due to rumours that the country's borders will be shut down.
Some of those wishing to leave the country are headed to its western neighbour, Finland. Passengers have to meet restrictions around Covid vaccinations and citizenship (Finns and Russians only), but the link between east and west is still open even after many other routes shut down.
Most passengers at St Petersburg's bustling railway station are too busy to stop to talk, but Olga Borisovna, stops for a moment.
"I'm leaving because of the war. I want to live in peace and comfort," she said, adding that Russians are panicked and confused.
"You don't know what's true and what's a lie. That's our biggest problem. They say one thing but another seems to happen," Borisovna said, referring to information being offered by Russia's state media outlets.
Government-fuelled propaganda in the country has painted a decidedly rosier picture of the invasion of Ukraine than what is actually happening.
One of few remaining routes
Due to the ban on Russian aircraft in European airspace, the Finnish-Russian operated Allegro high-speed train between St Petersburg and Helsinki is one of few remaining connections from Russia to the rest of Europe. There are some bus routes still operating between the two countries as well.
According to Finland's state railway operator VR the Allegro trains have been running at near full capacity, although not everyone who might wish to get on the trains are able to, due to the pandemic restrictions.
Russian citizens are still required to show proof of having received a Covid vaccination that has been approved by Finland, or have an urgent reason to enter the country, for example employment or family reasons.
Additionally, only Finnish and Russian citizens are currently allowed on the train, due to Russian rules.
In practice, this means that only Russians who already reside in Europe or who have ties to Finland are able to take the Allegro route.
Alex Perov, who lives with his family in Paris, falls into that category. Following a visit with relatives in Russia, he chose Allegro because of the unavailability of flights out of the country.
Perov agreed to talk to Yle on the condition that the story would not be published before he arrived safely in Finland.
"I do not support war at all and the situation is getting worse all the time," Perov said.
"I don't think I'll be back for a long time. A lot would need to change for me to return," he said.
People seeking to leave Russia have more than one reason, as international sanctions have put the country's economy into a downward spiral and the government's grip on citizens has tightened as the war has progressed.
According to the independent Russian human rights media project OVD-Info, as of Friday Russia had detained nearly 8,200 people for participating in anti-war protests since 24 February.
Authorities have shut down independent media outlets, including radio station Echo of Moscow and TV channel Dodzh, due to their accurate reporting about the war.
There are also rumours that Russia may close its borders soon, at least to conscript-aged men.
Mikhail, who works in Europe, told Yle he is sad, calling the situation a tragedy.
"It is difficult to find words. Many [in Russia] have roots in Ukraine. My part of my family is from Ukraine," he said, adding that he doesn't see a future living in Russia.
"I feel insecure. There are no prospects for the future," Mikhail said.
This week, Yle News' All Points North podcast examined how Russia's attack on Ukraine is impacting Finland.
