Amid the conflict in Ukraine, several Russian soldiers have deserted the military to avoid participating in the war. These soldiers face criminal charges in Russia, with potential imprisonment of 10 years or more. However, they are seeking asylum in Western countries, hoping for protection and a chance at a new life. Many are living in hiding, fearing deportation and persecution. Asylum claims from Russian citizens have increased since the invasion of Ukraine, but few are being granted protection, leaving the soldiers in limbo.
Former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius argues that Western nations should support Russian soldiers who oppose Putin, as it weakens the Russian army. The soldiers who have deserted have shared their stories with the Associated Press, but most remain anonymous due to fears of retribution. The soldiers are seeking refuge in countries like France, Germany, and the United States, but the process of obtaining asylum is challenging due to restrictions on their travel documents and the fear of being deported back to Russia.
Desertion cases among Russian soldiers are on the rise, with thousands facing legal consequences for abandoning their military duties. Despite the challenges, some soldiers have managed to escape to countries like Kazakhstan, where they hope to find safety and a future free from the conflict in Ukraine. The soldiers who have deserted share stories of the atrocities they witnessed in Ukraine, including the execution of prisoners of war and the impact of the war on their mental health.
The soldiers who have deserted face uncertainty about their future, as they navigate the complex asylum process and try to remain hidden from Russian authorities. In Kazakhstan, where some have sought refuge, there are concerns about the presence of Russian agents attempting to extradite them back to Russia. The deserters, including those with the nicknames Yevgeny, Sparrow, and Sportsmaster, are living in hiding, working odd jobs, and waiting for a resolution to their asylum applications.
Despite the challenges they face, the deserters remain hopeful for a better future. They have found temporary work, formed underground networks of support, and are trying to build new lives in their host countries. While they may be living in hiding, they are determined to avoid returning to Russia and participating in a war they do not believe in. The international community is urged to consider their cases and offer them asylum and protection from persecution.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the stories of Russian soldiers who have deserted shed light on the human toll of war and the difficult choices they face. These soldiers are seeking refuge in Western countries, hoping for a chance at a new beginning. Their experiences highlight the complexities of seeking asylum and the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives away from the conflict in Ukraine. The international community is called upon to support these soldiers and provide them with the protection they need to move forward.
