Russian Deserters Return to Ukraine: Impact Limited

Russian deserters who fled the military after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 are sharing their stories of disappointment and fear. Many soldiers, like Vasiliy and Viktor, refused to fight against their own people and decided to desert. They faced threats and the risk of imprisonment, but managed to escape to countries like Armenia and Kazakhstan. However, they still live in fear of extradition to Russia and are seeking refuge in countries like Germany. Human rights organizations are calling on European countries to protect these deserters and offer them humanitarian visas.