Lawyers and civil society groups say they have been overwhelmed by demands for support since President Vladimir Putin announced on Sept 21 that 300,000 people would be mobilised to boost Russia's flagging war effort.

Russia's first mobilisation since World War Two has led to widespread discontent among officials and citizens over the way the draft has been handled.

Almost 17,000 Russians crossed the border into Finland over the weekend, Finnish authorities say, while Russian reports say the estimated wait to enter Georgia hit 48 hours at one point.

A number of draft offices have been attacked since Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a partial mobilisation.