From Kazakhstan, With Love
Russian army steps up recruitment efforts
Over 700,000 young Russians are estimated to have left Russia to avoid being sent to the Ukrainian front. Many young exiles have fled to Kazakhstan, but how have they been received in this country that still has strong ties with Russia?
Kazakhstan shares 7,000 km of border with Russia. Ivan and Ilya fled here in October 2022 to escape drafting into the Russian army. They face 5 years in prison for defection and 15 for criticising Putin and the war. "Without an international passport you can only go to countries under Russian control, and Kazakhstan is the least controlled", they explain.The Ministry of the Interior insists the 6,000 immigrants arriving each day are welcome, despite their "friendly relations with Russia". For the young defectors, life remains uncertain: "I should feel safe here, but I'm afraid the situation suddenly turns against us".
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