Germany expels 21-year-old Russian citizen of Yazidi descent who narrowly avoided deportation to Russia, where activists say he risked conscription

German authorities have expelled a 21-year-old Russian citizen of Yazidi origin, the local outlet ND reported, citing human rights advocates. He had faced deportation to Russia but was ultimately allowed to leave voluntarily for Armenia.

ND identified the young man as Artur. He had lived with his family in Bielefeld, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, since he was 10. Artur planned to begin vocational training in the summer of 2026 and applied for a residence permit on that basis. Before he could sign a training contract, immigration authorities unexpectedly ordered him to leave for Russia.

On October 8, Artur was detained pending deportation to Russia. But human rights advocates who tried to stop his deportation said he does not speak Russian and would face military conscription there.

Authorities ultimately allowed Artur to leave Germany voluntarily for Armenia on condition that he depart that same day.

Artem Klyga, head of the legal department at the Conscientious Objectors’ Movement, told the outlet Ekho that people at risk of being sent to war by Russia currently have very little chance of obtaining protection in European countries.