Armenia refused to extradite a defecting serviceman to Russia

Semyon Subbotin, 25, who previously served in the missile forces in the Ivanovo region, left Russia in September 2024 and went to Armenia. Moscow put him on the interstate wanted list under the article on unauthorized abandonment of a unit.

According to Novaya Gazeta Evropa, Subbotin was detained for 72 hours while attempting to legalize himself in Yerevan. During this time, the Russian authorities were supposed to provide the materials of the criminal case, and a preventive measure was also supposed to be issued. However, during this period, Russian security forces made an unsuccessful attempt to secretly remove the man from custody.

Despite the fact that Subbotin was wanted and a criminal case for desertion was opened against him, he was released. He was escorted to the Erebuni police department. The man is now safe.

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