Protection for Russians Abroad

Protection for
Russians Abroad

Are you facing extradition or deportation in your host country and risk political persecution or detention if returned to Russia? Contact the consuls of anti-war Russians — they can help you protect your rights and safeguard your freedom.

Who Do the Consuls Help?

Consuls assist Russians with a clear anti-war stance residing in countries where representatives are present. To qualify for support, you must:

Be visibly and publicly opposed to the war.
Volunteer or collaborate with anti-war organizations or independent media.
Face genuine risk of political persecution or detention upon return to Russia.

Areas Where Consuls

Can Assist:

Emergency Situations: Help in cases where deportation to Russia poses a significant risk due to anti-war activities.

Risk of Loss of Legal Status: Assistance if your legal status (e.g., residence permit, refugee status) in a safe country is at risk.

Verification of Politically Motivated Cases: Assessment of extradition and deportation cases to determine political motivation.

Representation in Political or Public Cases: Support in cases affecting anti-war Russians abroad, including liaising with local authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and migration services. Consuls may also engage with media to raise awareness.

Referral to Human Rights Organizations: Connection with human rights organizations and legal professionals in your country of residence. (Note: Financial support is not currently provided by the consulate.)

Consuls are

NOT Involved in:

Personal assistance with visa issues, residence permits, citizenship, or other immigration documents.

Issuance of personal documents (criminal records, powers of attorney, passports, etc.).

Evacuation assistance for Russians within Russia.

Financial support.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, please submit an Application Form. A consul will contact you. Do not submit an application if you are in Russia, and avoid multiple applications for the same request.

Consuls of the Anti-War Committee

Comunità dei Russi Liberi.

Russi contro la guerra (Russians Against the War)

President, ISKRA Association

Editor-in-Chief, Novaya Gazeta Europa

Professor at the Free University

Former Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Lithuania

Vice President, Khodorkovsky Foundation US

Democratic Community of Russian-speakers in Finland

Politician

Association Russie-Libertés

Community Russia of the Future

Former Russian diplomat resigns in protest over Ukraine invasion

Head of a children’s leisure center for Ukrainian children

Gallerist

Democratic Community of Russians in Cyprus

Founder of the Russian Democratic Society and coordinator of the Anti-War Human Rights Coalition

The Horizons

Board member of the anti-war committee in Sweden “Russians Against War”, member of the youth democratic movement “Vesna”

Chairman of the Board, Freies Russland NRW e.V. (Free Russia NRW)

Lawyer

Supporting victims of political persecution

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do to get help?

Fill out the form on the website and wait for a response.

What if my request is declined?

Contact other organizations: Ark and other initiatives, Reforum Spaces, Reporters Without Borders (for journalists), Artists at risk (for cultural workers), The University of New Europe (Netherlands), Vhod. Keep in mind that such organizations are often overloaded and you need to be prepared to wait.

Where can I go for help with legalization in my host country?

If you are not at risk of political persecution in Russia, ask the Russian diaspora in your country for help, read the recommendations of the Ark or Vhod guide.

Can you provide housing or financial support?

Unfortunately, we do not provide assistance in finding housing or work.

Can you help if I’m concerned about forced mobilization?

You can seek advice from the Conscientious Objector Movement, Appeal to Conscience, Idite Lesom.

I’m in Russia—can you assist with evacuation?

If you are a political activist, we advise you to contact EQUAL PostOst (for LGBTQ+), Vyvozhuk, InTransit, Rapid Unit (including evacuation from Central Asia). The regions of the North Caucasus are usually covered by Marem and SOS projects.

Read the guide from InTransit about the difference between political asylum and humanitarian visa. If you do not have a foreign passport and a criminal case has been initiated against you, you can only apply for humanitarian visas to Germany and France. If you have a foreign passport, you can apply for a humanitarian visa to Poland and Lithuania.

Germany: InTransit, Solidarus, Quarteera e.V. and EQUAL PostOst (for LGBTQ+)

France: Sakharov Institute in Paris, Russie-Libertés, Tochka, Artists in Exile (for cultural figures)

Poland: Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights in Poland

Where can I find additional information on different countries?

In most countries, diasporas compile guides for those who have recently arrived in the country. For example, there are recommendations for France, Poland, Italy, and chat in Portugal. Request such guides in local chats of Russians.

Do consuls get paid?

No, consuls work on a volunteer basis.