Russian Soldiers Try To Get Out Of War In Ukraine

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (AP) — Growing numbers of Russian soldiers are trying to get out of the war in Ukraine. Overall asylum claims from Russians have surged in the U.S., France and Germany since Russia’s full-scale invasion two years ago, but few are getting in. Russian soldiers present particular concern: Are they spies? War criminals? Or heroes? The Associated Press spoke with five officers and one soldier who deserted, some through underground networks of Russian activists who guided them on secret escape routes. Facing criminal charges in Russia, all but one live in hiding as they wait for a welcome from the West that hasn’t arrived. They argue that helping deserters is in the West’s own interest and less costly than shipping weapons to Ukraine.