Valentina Kazakova, the Head of the Main Directorate for Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, has taken a personal interest in the case of Alexander Babkov, a 53-year-old Uzbek national who served with the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) in Ukraine. The situation was brought to light by Irina Volk, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, through her Telegram channel.
Before his engagement in the conflict, Babkov was employed as a driver in Uzbekistan. In September 2022, he enlisted with the Wagner PMC and was deployed to the combat zones of Bakhmut and Soledar in eastern Ukraine. For his valour in combat, Babkov was decorated with the Medal of Bravery. Despite his service, Babkov has been unable to secure the status of a combat veteran due to his lack of Russian citizenship.
Currently residing with relatives in the Sverdlovsk region, Russian Federation, Babkov faces the expiration of his temporary residence permit in Russia in January 2024. Without renewal, he risks deportation back to Uzbekistan, where he could potentially be sentenced to up to ten years in prison on charges of mercenaries.
Irina Volk has stated, “For tomorrow, he is invited to the migration unit in the Sverdlovsk region, where he will accept documents for temporary asylum. And then the issue of granting Alexander citizenship of the Russian Federation will be worked out.”
The Russian Federation has faced criticism for recruiting migrants into its military operations, particularly within the context of the conflict referred to as the “SMO.” In response to the need for volunteers from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Russian authorities have enacted legislation that allows foreign mercenaries to acquire Russian citizenship through a simplified process. This policy aims to facilitate the integration of foreign nationals who have served in the Russian military into the fabric of Russian society. Babkov’s case is a testament to the complexities and humanitarian considerations involved in the intersection of migration and military service.
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