Key facts
- A Russian family, Nikita and Olga Belov, faces deportation from Finland.
- The Belovs fled Russia in 2022.
- They opposed the invasion of Ukraine.
- The family has been vocal supporters and aid coordinators for Ukraine.
- They fear arrest, imprisonment, and torture if returned to Russia.
Nikita and Olga Belov, a Russian family, are at risk of deportation from Finland. The couple fled Russia in 2022 after expressing opposition to the invasion of Ukraine. Since arriving in Finland, they have actively supported Ukraine and coordinated aid efforts. The Belovs now fear that if they are deported back to Russia, they will face severe repercussions, including arrest, imprisonment, and torture, due to their pro-Ukrainian activism.
Their activism has made them targets within Russia. The family's situation highlights the risks faced by Russian citizens who openly oppose the government's actions in Ukraine. Despite their fears and activism, Finnish authorities are considering their deportation, raising concerns about their safety and well-being upon return to their home country.