Armenia refuses to extradite former Russian soldier wanted for desertion

Armenian police have refused to extradite former Russian soldier Semyon Subbotin, who fled his unit to avoid fighting against Ukraine, Novaya Gazeta Europe reported Sunday, citing unnamed human rights advocates.

According to the sources, 25-year-old Subbotin served as a radiotelephone operator and rifleman in Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, stationed in the town of Teykovo in the Ivanovo region. He left Russia in September 2024 with help from Get Lost, an organization that assists Russian military deserters.

In Armenia, Subbotin lacked legal status after Russian authorities opened a criminal case against him for unauthorized absence from his unit and placed him on a wanted list. The rights advocates said Subbotin also learned that individuals had arrived in Armenia who likely intended to either abduct him or intimidate him into returning to Russia.

Subbotin turned to Armenian police to legalize his status. He was detained for three days and held in pre-trial detention. Armenian authorities notified Moscow, which gave Russia the opportunity to begin preparing extradition paperwork.

“Today, Russian military personnel showed up at the detention center where Subbotin was being held for the mandated 72 hours and tried to take him without following legal procedure,” the human rights advocates said. They reported the incident to police and prosecutors, warning of a possible abduction attempt.

When the 72-hour detention period expired, Subbotin was released and taken to a police station, where his lawyer was waiting. He is now free.

According to the rights advocates, Russia may still formally request Subbotin’s extradition from Armenia.