Russian Citizen Arrested in Armenia for Avoiding War

A Russian citizen, Nikolai Zonov, who left the Russian Federation in 2023, has been detained in Yerevan. Zonov's wife, Arevik Zonova, told ‘Novaya Gazeta Europe’ that her husband has been charged in Russia for 'failing to report for military service during mobilization or wartime.' She noted that he has been placed on a wanted list.

Information about Zonov's arrest was also published on his Instagram, according to Meduza. He was detained on March 12 while applying for citizenship documents in Armenia. At that time, he learned that a criminal case had been opened against him in Russia. Zonov is currently in custody, and a trial will take place in the coming days to decide on his extradition to Russia.

Zonov is a chef from the Kirov region. According to his wife, in the fall of 2023, 'a summons was placed in his mailbox,' after which he moved to Armenia and has not returned to Russia since. A year after relocating, he received an invitation to apply for Armenian citizenship based on his marriage to an Armenian citizen and having lived in Armenia for a year.

'He didn't even know that any case had been initiated against him and did not evade investigation. Now he fears retribution and criminal prosecution in Russia. He does not want to return because he is against military actions and cannot fight, as he believes that Ukraine and Russia are one nation,' said Arevik Zonova.

Quoting lawyers, she also stated that her husband could either be released or extradited to Russia. Zonova speculates that her husband might seek political asylum in Armenia. 'According to lawyers specializing in assisting political activists abroad, Armenia is the safest country for Russians holding internal passports, as the risks of extradition to the Russian Federation are low. However, there is a danger that a Russian citizen, who has avoided the war, may be arrested by Russian security forces. For instance, in December 2023, a mobilized Dmitry Setrakov was detained in Gyumri. Initially held on a military base, he was later sent back to Russia. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called the actions of Russian security forces on Armenian territory illegal,' Meduza wrote.