Russian activist ordered to leave Germany despite ongoing asylum case

A Russian citizen faces potential deportation from Germany despite his asylum application still being under review, according to the Russian Anti-War Committee, an organisation founded by Russian public figures to collect humanitarian aid for Ukraine and support those who fled Russia.

Alexander Rudnev left Russia to escape Vladimir Putin’s 2022 mobilisation campaign and requested asylum in Germany. His first application was rejected. In an interview with the independent media project Eyewitnesses, he said his case had been “ruined” by his lawyer.

He subsequently found a new lawyer and appealed the decision. On 5 May, he attended an interview with Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Rudnev says his lawyer had notified the migration office of the ongoing appeal in advance. Even so, on 7 May, authorities declined to renew his temporary residence permit and issued an order for him to leave the country.

Both Rudnev and his lawyer contend the order violates German law, according to the Russian Anti-War Committee.

Before he left Russia, Rudnev was an active environmental activist and worked with Greenpeace Russia to help put out forest fires. He had been involved in activism since 2018–2019.

Since settling in Germany, Rudnev says he has completed B2-level German language courses, trained with the Red Cross to qualify as a paramedic, and has had a job for nearly two years.