In Finland, two Russians who helped Ukrainians were denied asylum and placed...

In Finland, two Russians who helped Ukrainians were denied asylum and placed in custody pending deportation. They fear criminal prosecution in Russia

Russian citizens Olga and Nikita Belov, who left for Finland after the start of the war, are facing deportation, Mediazona and the Rulehti project report.

In early April 2026, the Belovs received negative decisions on their asylum applications. They tried to appeal them in court, but unsuccessfully. On April 24, Olga and Nikita Belov were summoned to the police. A police officer told them that deportation proceedings had begun and that the Belovs would be placed in custody.

The mother and son actively helped Ukrainians — collecting sleeping bags, binoculars, medical supplies, blankets, wax for trench candles, as well as warm clothing and first-aid kits for soldiers.

After the deportation was announced at the police station, Olga Belova fainted.

Nikita Belov fears that if they end up in Russia, their active assistance to Ukrainians in Finland could lead to treason charges.

@meduzalive