Former Wagner Group mercenary who sought asylum in Norway decides to return to Russia, despite fears of retribution

Andrey Medvedev, who identifies himself as a former Wagner Group commander, has decided to return to Russia after unsuccessfully seeking asylum in Norway.

In a series of short YouTube videos, Medvedev explained that he’d hoped to find “peace and quiet” in Norway and “leave war and politics behind,” but “it didn’t work out.” The 26-year-old doesn’t know how long he will get to live after returning to his home country, given that he’s made international headlines when defecting from Wagner Group.

According to the Russian state news outlet RIA Novosti, the Russian embassy in Oslo has confirmed that Medvedev recently had an appointment there. The Russian press attaché Timur Chekanov said that Medvedev’s return would be handled in accordance with the federal law.