ASYLUM INTERNATIONAL

November 28, 2023

Press Release

In response to the illegal and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine by military forces of the Russian Federation, Asylum International is calling upon the President of the United States to grant Temporary Protected Status to Russian defectors who have fled to other countries rather than fight for Vladimir Putin.  Over 200,000 Russians have already died in this war and nearly 250,000 Russians have been wounded.  Death and injury inflicted on tens of thousands of innocent Ukrainians compound the war crimes committed by Vladimir Putin, making him a fugitive from the International Criminal Court as well as a threat to his own people.  

Anecdotal evidence shows that most Russian soldiers don’t want to be in Ukraine, but they are threatened with imprisonment or even execution if they refuse to follow orders.  Death and injury being inflicted on both sides is a human tragedy not seen in Europe since 1945, a tragedy that no one thought would ever happen again.

As it was in the last World War, the United States is faced with a painful dilemma; step back and allow a ruthless dictator to conquer neighboring countries that are smaller and weaker than his own and wait for the inevitable outcome or step up now and stop the carnage before it reaches our own shores.  One way that we can help is by diverting Russian soldiers from the battlefield.  If we can interdict the supply of soldiers by offering them Temporary Protected Status in the United States, we can save lives on both sides of the conflict.

If we can sustain these defectors and inculcate them with our own values, they will make a critical difference in the ultimate rejuvenation of Russian democracy.  They need our help, and in turn, they will help us too.  A democratic Russia that values human life and respects its neighbors will be an asset to the entire world.

These are noble goals that can be advanced by granting Temporary Protected Status to Russian defectors.  With a minimal cost to us, and a great advantage to them, we can undercut Vladimir Putin’s supply of soldiers and, at the same time, lay the foundation of a democratic society in Russia.  Accordingly, we are asking the President to grant Temporary Protected Status to Russian defectors.