They fled Russia, but the West sent them back
Summary
Many Russians who fled their country and sought asylum in Western countries are now being deported back to Russia. Those deported face risks such as arrest, forced military service, and imprisonment, especially if they opposed the Russian government or avoided military duty.Key Facts
- Russians who left the country during the Ukraine war and opposed the government have been deported from the US and Europe.
- The number of deportations from the US rose from 222 in 2023 to over 1,200 in 2025 under President Donald Trump's second term.
- Deportees often face interrogation by Russian security services, forced military registration, or threats of imprisonment.
- Some deported activists, like Leonid Melekhin, have received harsh prison sentences after returning to Russia.
- Germany and other EU countries have also increased the deportation of Russian asylum seekers, with lower rates of asylum acceptance.
- Germany suspended its humanitarian visa program for Russians in 2024 amid stricter asylum policies.
- The Anti-War Committee, a Russian opposition group in exile, advises dissidents that Europe may no longer be safe for them.
- Russian security services use deportations to target those they consider political opponents, military deserters, or critics of the government.
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