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Rising Deportations of Anti-War Russians from the West to Russia

Rising Deportations of Anti-War Russians from the West to Russia

First seen 16 Oct 2026, 13:38 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 16, 2026 at 13:39 UTC
  • •Over 1,200 Russians were deported from the US in 2025, a significant increase from previous years.
  • •Deportees face severe risks, including military conscription and imprisonment upon return to Russia.
  • •Activists advise against seeking asylum in the EU, indicating it is no longer a safe option for dissidents.

In recent years, the number of anti-war Russians deported from Western countries has significantly increased, with over 1,200 deportations from the US in 2025 alone, up from 222 in 2023. Deportees, including activists and military deserters, face severe consequences upon return, such as military conscription or imprisonment. Katya, an activist who fled Russia, was deported back after her asylum application was denied, and she reported being interrogated and receiving military papers upon arrival. Leonid Melekhin, another deportee, was sentenced to six years in prison for anti-government activities. Activists warn that the EU is no longer a safe haven for dissidents, prompting a shift in advice for those seeking refuge. The situation reflects a growing trend of harsher treatment of Russian nationals fleeing the regime amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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Timeline

2023-01-01
222 Russians deported from the US
The US deported 222 Russians in 2023, marking the beginning of a significant increase in deportations.
BBC
2025-01-01
Deportations rise to 1,200
The number of deportations from the US surged to over 1,200 in 2025, reflecting a harsher stance on asylum claims.
BBC
2025-12-01
Katya deported back to Russia
Katya, an anti-war activist, was deported from the US and faced interrogation and military conscription upon arrival in Moscow.
BBC
2025-12-01
Leonid Melekhin sentenced
Leonid Melekhin, another deportee, was sentenced to six years in prison for anti-government activities after being returned to Russia.
BBC

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Common questions

What risks do deported Russians face?
Deported Russians, especially activists, may face military conscription, imprisonment, or severe interrogation upon return.
How many Russians were deported in 2025?
Over 1,200 Russians were deported from the US in 2025, a significant increase from previous years.
Is the EU still a safe option for asylum?
Activists now advise against seeking asylum in the EU, indicating it is no longer a safe haven for dissidents.