The Global Story: They fled Russia. The US sent them back

Russian asylum seekers fleeing the war in Ukraine and political repression face an increasingly perilous reality as Western nations, including the United States and several EU countries, ramp up deportations. Despite providing evidence of political activism or refusal to participate in military mobilization, many individuals see their asylum claims rejected under stricter immigration policies. Deportees often return to immediate interrogation by Russian security services, with some facing long-term imprisonment or forced deployment to the front lines. This trend reflects a broader shift toward tougher immigration stances in the West, leaving anti-war activists and deserters in a state of extreme vulnerability. The resulting disillusionment among Russians suggests a growing perception of betrayal by Western governments, which were previously viewed as safe havens for those opposing the Kremlin’s policies.