Men from all over Russia were given one hour to pack and report to their draft offices, to take part in Vladimir Putin's "special military operation" in Ukraine.
It comes after humiliating losses for Putin and a day after he threatened to retaliate with nuclear weapons.
The United Nations Security Council condemned Russia in a fiery gathering. But as Russia has the power of veto, the UN is left powerless to act, something our Prime Minister is pushing to change during her visit to New York.
There were hugs and tearful goodbyes as Russian conscripts left to fight in Putin's war.
Military recruiters were screamed at by Russian civilians who argued that there was no future to fight for. At the border were long streams of traffic, people desperate to get out of Russia one way or another.
In New York the dreadful gloom of Russia's latest threats settled on assembled world leaders - but the United Nations was paralysed to act. At a fiery meeting of the all-powerful Security Council, the US spelled out what is at stake.
"One man chose this war, one man can end it," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
"If Russia stops fighting the war ends but if Ukraine stops fighting Ukraine ends."
The Russians strolled in late to the UN meeting and their Foreign Minister is not backing down from the narrative that it is liberating Ukraine and it is the West that's to blame for prolonging the war.
"To drag out the fighting as long as possible in spite of the victims and destruction in order to wear down and weaken Russia," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the conflict between Ukraine and Russia could turn into a catastrophe for the world.
"This senseless war has unlimited potential to do terrible harm in Ukraine and around the world. The idea of nuclear conflict, once unthinkable, has become a subject of debate."
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern agreed.
"We are seeing an escalation in the language and potentially an escalation of the conflict that could affect all of us."
As the world watches on, scrutinising the UN's response to this crisis, there's no getting around the fact that this is an international organization hamstrung by Russia's ability to veto any decision.
"We need reform of the UN. It's simply not good enough that we've had to act bilaterally. We've had to act on our own to make sure that we're seeing those consequences for Russia because of the veto and the failure of the Security Council," Ardern said.
Ardern met the head of the United Nations today but is pushing back on calls from home to expel the Russian ambassador.
"Of all of the things we could do that is one of the least meaningful in this situation," she said.
"How do you then make sure that Russia feels the full force? Sanctions remain the best option there."
Ukraine wants the world to see Russia for what it is.
"We must finally recognise Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism," Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
When asked if she would also that label to describe Russia, Ardern said taking action is what is important.
"There are many labels that I wouldn't necessarily disagree with but the point is these are all words what we need is action we need the war to end," she said.
And words are what Ardern would have for any Russian diplomat she'd meet.
"I would share directly what I am saying to you now, that their war is illegal, it is immoral, that it is taking the lives of civilians. Russia needs to hear that from every corner of the international community."
But the question is will Russia listen?
