Kazakhstani Who Fought For Russia Asks Putin to Shield Him from Criminal Prosecution

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs expressed its readiness to provide asylum to a Kazakhstan citizen who fought for Russia against Ukraine, Orda.kz reports.

Petr Miroshnichenko, a 41-year-old from Kazakhstan's Akmola region, recently released a video appeal describing his situation.

Two years ago, he enlisted in the Russian military but was deported in early 2024 when his documents were discovered to be expired. Upon returning to Kazakhstan, he claims the National Security Committee (KNB) summoned him for questioning and gave him 30 days to leave the country.

Without obtaining proper authorization, Miroshnichenko illegally crossed back into Russia, resulting in a 10,000 ruble fine and deportation order from Russian authorities. By the summer of 2024, he had again signed a contract with a volunteer military formation and returned to combat.

Following his most recent return to Russia, Miroshnichenko received a residence ban.

He appealed directly to President Vladimir Putin for citizenship, citing potential imprisonment of up to 20 years in Kazakhstan on charges concerning his mercenary activities.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs is ready to provide this citizen with temporary asylum on the territory of our country, as previously reported to representatives of the Vostok volunteer brigade. In order to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, the citizen must personally contact the migration department of the territorial body of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs at his place of residence, The Ministry's press service reported.

Russian legislation permits foreign nationals who sign contracts with the Defense Ministry for one year or longer to apply for citizenship without meeting additional requirements or obtaining a residence permit first.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov