Russian family denied asylum in Finland fear reprisals for pro-Ukraine activism
A Russian mother and son who fled to Finland are facing deportation despite their vocal opposition to the war in Ukraine. Finnish authorities have rejected their asylum claims, arguing they face no real risk of persecution upon return to Russia.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tension between strict immigration policies and the protection of political dissidents fleeing authoritarian regimes.
Nikita and Olga Belov have tried to claim asylum in Finland but have so far found their case rejected. Photograph: Nikita Belov Nikita and Olga Belov have tried to claim asylum in Finland but have so far found their case rejected. Photograph: Nikita Belov Finland Russian family denied asylum in Finland fear reprisals for pro-Ukraine activism Nikita and Olga Belov say they will be persecuted on return to Moscow but are yet to convince Finnish authorities
Prefer the Guardian on Google A Russian family faces deportation from Finland after repeatedly being denied asylum – despite the threat of arrest, imprisonment and potential torture for their pro-Ukrainian activism.
Nikita and Olga Belov fled their homeland in 2022 after attracting the attention of Russian authorities – including military summons, threatening messages and attempts to locate them – after expressing opposition to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine .
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