Russian Anti-War Activists Face Expulsion from Finland After Supporting Ukraine

Herz — World Desk · 9 August 2026 at 08:34 · 30s summary · 2 min read

What We Know

Nikita Belov, 25, an engineer, and his mother Olga, 55, an anesthesia nurse, left Russia in 2022 after publicly opposing the Ukraine invasion. According to The Guardian, they now face expulsion from Finland, where two asylum applications have been rejected.

In Moscow, Nikita worked at a research institute specializing in metallurgical technologies. When he tried to leave a project linked to the war effort, his supervisor threatened him with arrest or deployment to the front. Russian military authorities and police subsequently contacted Olga and visited their home.

Since arriving in Finland, the Belovs have volunteered to support Ukraine through their local community center. They have delivered humanitarian aid—first aid supplies, food, clothing, Starlink equipment, and a 3D printer. Ukrainian soldiers sent them a thank-you video message.

Finland's immigration service assessed that the Belovs face "no real risk" if returned to Russia. It issued an expulsion order against them.

Timeline

1. 2022
   Nikita and Olga Belov flee Russia and file their first asylum application in Finland, rejected after unsuccessful appeal.
2. 2023
   Finland joins the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
3. Early 2026
   A second asylum application is filed, then rejected.
4. April 2026
   The Belovs are placed in a detention center pending expulsion, then released after court intervention.
5. August 2026
   The family awaits a final decision that could lead to their expulsion within weeks.

The Numbers