Russian dissidents face risks following increased deportations from West

Reports indicate a significant increase in the deportation of Russian nationals, including activists and dissidents, from Western countries back to Russia. Data shows that removals from the United States rose from 222 in 2023 to over 1,200 in 2025, while German deportations increased from seven in 2023 to more than 110 in 2025.

Individuals returned to Russia report facing immediate risks upon arrival. Testimonies describe being met by FSB security agents, undergoing intense interrogations, and having mobile devices searched for incriminatory information. Male deportees have reported being issued military documents, forcing them to register with local recruitment offices, which often leads to deployment in the conflict in Ukraine.

In Germany, the approval rate for Russian asylum seekers has dropped sharply, falling from 29% in 2023 to 6.8% during the first 11 months of 2025. Across the European Union, the proportion of protection granted to Russian citizens fell from 23% in 2024 to approximately 17% in the first nine months of 2025.