On Monday, October 20th, 2025, a public event took place in Vienna with Sasza Belik and Artem Klyga. It was dedicated to the topic of deserters and conscientious objectors from Russia, as well as the impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine on Europe.
The guests discussed not only the situation in Russia but also focused in particular on the current situation of refugees in Austria. Thanks to the organizers ⸻ «International Fellowship of Reconciliation ⸻ Austria», «Counseling for deserters and refugees», «Working Group on Conscientious Objection and Nonviolence», and «Asylum Coordination Austria» ⸻ it was possible to establish initial direct contacts with representatives of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to conduct interviews with local journalists.
In the evening, real stories of escape, the legal challenges of legalization in EU countries, and the international aspects of the right to conscientious objection in times of war were discussed. The event attracted great interest and led to a lively discussion.
We sincerely thank the organizers and partners for the invitation, their support, and for creating a space in which peaceful alternatives to war and the rights of those who refuse to kill could be discussed. Special thanks go to everyone who came and took part in the discussion ⸻ together, we make the voices of deserters and conscientious objectors heard.
