Armenian authorities have reportedly declined a request from Moscow to extradite a Russian soldier accused of desertion, reports Novaya Gazeta Europe, which cited unnamed human rights activists familiar with the case.
The soldier, 25-year-old Semyon Subbotin, previously served as a radio operator and gunner in Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces. He allegedly fled Russia in September 2024 with the help of Go to the Forest, a volunteer network that supports Russian soldiers seeking to abandon their units and leave the country.
Russian officials reportedly filed a formal desertion case against Subbotin and placed him on an interstate wanted list. According to the activists, Subbotin feared for his life after learning that individuals had been sent to either kill him or coerce him into returning to Russia. In response, he contacted Armenian law enforcement for protection.
Armenian police reportedly detained Subbotin for 72 hours, during which they notified Russian authorities of his location. Novaya Gazeta Europe reported that this window was intended to allow Moscow to submit materials for possible extradition or legal action.
However, activists claimed that Russian military officials showed up at the detention facility and attempted to remove Subbotin by circumventing legal protocols. In response, the activists alerted the Yerevan police and Armenia’s Prosecutor’s Office, warning of a potential abduction attempt by Russian forces.
As of now, Armenian authorities have not officially commented on the case, but the reports suggest that the extradition request has been effectively denied.
