Story perspectives

Germany Blocks Asylum for Russian Deserters, 126 Deportations in 2025

7/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Germany’s new coalition has effectively eliminated asylum prospects for Russian military deserters, as shown by Nikita Zvezdov’s denial.
Zvezdov lives under church asylum in Aachen while awaiting a July 30 decision.
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees says protection requires a real, justified fear of persecution.
Alexey Kozlov, manager of Solidarus, says the chances are now practically zero, noting that parliament recorded 126 deportations of Russian nationals in 2025.

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Story summary

Germany’s new coalition has effectively eliminated asylum prospects for Russian military deserters, as shown by Nikita Zvezdov’s denial.
Zvezdov lives under church asylum in Aachen while awaiting a July 30 decision.
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees says protection requires a real, justified fear of persecution.
Alexey Kozlov, manager of Solidarus, says the chances are now practically zero, noting that parliament recorded 126 deportations of Russian nationals in 2025.