France Grants Asylum to Six Russian Army Deserters

The deserters call on fellow soldiers to abandon the Russian military amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Six Russian military deserters have found refuge in France after escaping the war in Ukraine and are urging other soldiers to follow their lead.
These deserters include a lieutenant who was shocked by the invasion and an infantryman who fled to avoid being forced into combat.
The group escaped through Kazakhstan, a rare destination accessible with internal passports, despite fears of extradition to Russia.
Their arrival in France follows extensive verification of their stories by multiple NGOs, marking a unique decision in Europe.
The deserters are now working on a project to anonymously share stories from soldiers, aiming to inspire others to leave the military.