Russian army deserters in Germany: 'No choice but to run'
Almost all asylum applications by Russian army deserters are being denied by German authorities. DW and Russian-language outlet Astra spoke to one young man who fears being sent back to die on the front lines.
The vast majority of asylum applications filed by Russian army deserters who have fled to Germany are being rejected by German authorities. One young deserter, who spoke to DW and independent Russian-language outlet Astra, described his fear of being sent back to fight and possibly die on the front lines.
The young man said his life would be at risk in Russia for refusing to fight, but that Germany's legal process has not offered him reliable protection. Germany's asylum criteria do not treat draft evasion alone as sufficient grounds for protection.
Experts say the situation is making Europe an increasingly risky option for young Russians opposed to the war who are seeking to flee. The issue has reopened debate over how consistent Germany's migration policy has been in response to the war in Ukraine.
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