France grants visas to six deserters fleeing Russian army

The Guardian reported the information.

Russian deserters reportedly have arrived in France on separate flights over the past few months. In 2022 and 2023, they fled from Russia to Kazakhstan. 
 

According to Ivan Chuviliaev, a spokesman for the human rights group Go By The Forest, the Russians did not have any travel documents or passports when they entered the EU.
 

Among those who were granted temporary visas by France were reportedly men who had participated in the war against Ukraine. They also include conscripts and officers who were able to avoid being sent to the front.

“France’s decision is the result of extensive collaboration between French authorities and a group of human rights organizations. We hope this marks the beginning of more deserters being let into Europe,” said Chuviliaev, whose organization has helped more than 2,000 soldiers escape abroad.

• As of April, according to British intelligence, since the start of “partial” mobilization in September 2022, Russia has convicted 7,400 soldiers suspected of desertion.