Russian deserters face uncertain futures amid growing numbers

Some deserters have chosen to stay in the country, seeking refuge with relatives or in remote regions. Fearing repercussions from the authorities, they try to live in hiding. "Their future is uncertain," emphasizes "Die Welt."

Other soldiers are attempting to leave Russia, hoping for safe asylum beyond the country's borders. However, this path is fraught with risks and dangers. It's unclear what their fate will be in foreign countries.

The newspaper describes the story of one Russian deserter, 23-year-old Konstantin Bubnov (name changed due to the threat of 15 years in prison or even death in Russia).

Bubnov stayed in a clinic for a year and then hid in his hometown of Bryansk for another year. He changed residences and ignored summonses from commanders until August, when he was discovered and faced being returned to his unit. He was fortunate that he first had to report to a doctor. Instead, he went to Belarus and from there flew to another post-Soviet country.

According to the independent Russian portal "Mediazona," since the start of mobilization in September 2022, over 13,000 cases concerning refusal to fight on the front line have been submitted to Russian courts. By the end of July this year, there have already been more cases than in the entire previous year. Many deserters are in Armenia and Kazakhstan, where Russian citizens can travel without a passport. Some have managed to reach France from there. An example is 33-year-old Roman Ivanov, who is awaiting a decision on asylum in the suburbs of Paris.

"It seems unreal. I never thought I'd leave the country, let alone live here," he says, quoted by "Die Welt." "When Russia invaded Ukraine, I realized it was pointless. I knew we'd be sent to die. I had other plans for my life," he adds.

Before the trial, he reached out to the organization "Get Lost," which helps Russian deserters escape.