Official statements from the French government or credible media outlets

Six Russian Soldiers Granted EU Visas in France After Deserting

Oct 16, 2024, 10:26 AM

Six Russian soldiers who deserted after being conscripted into the army have been granted temporary EU visas in France. Initially, they fled to Kazakhstan without passports and were in hiding. Human rights organizations assisted them in reaching France, where they are now applying for political asylum. This marks the first significant case of Russian defectors being accepted into a European Union country. Organizations assisting the deserters hope France’s decision will lead to more soldiers fleeing Putin's war.