Finland Faces Criticism Over Deportation of Russian Dissidents

The Finnish Immigration Service is seeking to deport Nikita and Olga Belov, a Russian mother and son who fled to Russia in 2022. Nikita Belov, a former research institute engineer, left after refusing to work on projects linked to the Russian war effort, while both he and Olga, a nurse anaesthetist, engaged in pro-Ukrainian activism and aid coordination.

Finnish authorities have repeatedly denied the pair's asylum applications, asserting they face no real risk if returned to Russia. The Belovs were briefly detained in April pending deportation but were released following court intervention. They currently await a final judicial decision on their status.

Legal experts and activists argue the case demonstrates a tightening of asylum procedures and a failure to properly assess human rights risks for dissidents. Between February 2022 and June 2026, Finland deported 1,039 Russians, the highest number of any nationality. Antti Lehtinen of the Finnish Immigration Service defended the process, stating that each applicant is assessed individually based on personal circumstances.