20th August 2026 — Artem Klyga
The Oslo District Court has overturned a decision by the Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (Utlendingsnemnda, UNE) denying international protection to a Russian conscript. The court declared the decision of the migration authorities unlawful and ordered the protection application to be reconsidered in light of the circumstances established by the court.
The decision is of particular importance for the assessment of protection applications submitted by Russian nationals who refuse or fear military service and possible participation in the war against Ukraine.
On June 23rd, 2026, Artem Klyga, programme coordinator for Eastern Europe at «Connection e.V.», appeared as an expert witness in the proceedings before the Oslo District Court. He informed the court about the situation of Russian conscripts and soldiers, as well as the risks that Russian military personnel may face if they are pressured to sign a military contract and participate in the war against Ukraine.
The court took these statements into account in its decision. In particular, it found that Russian conscripts may be actively pressured to sign military contracts. Such pressure may include threats as well as psychological and physical coercion.
The court thus expressly recognised that the risk faced by a Russian conscript is not limited to regular military service. In the event of returning to Russia, there may also be a risk of being forced to sign a military contract and subsequently to participate in the war.
According to the information available, this is the first case in Norwegian jurisprudence in which a court has expressly taken these circumstances into account in connection with the protection application of a Russian conscript.
In addition, the court awarded the applicant approximately €29,000 in reimbursement of legal costs.
For «Connection e.V.», this decision is of particular significance. It confirms the need for an individual assessment of the risks faced by Russian nationals who refuse to participate in the war or fear forced recruitment or being compelled to sign a military contract.
The expert from «Connection e.V.», Artem Klyga, has previously presented information on the situation of Russian conscripts and military personnel at international forums, including the «Organization for Security and Co—operation in Europe» (OSCE), and has contributed to expert materials for the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
We would like to thank Inna Sangadzhieva of the «Norwegian Helsinki Committee» (Den norske Helsingforskomité), who also testified in court and supported the expert’s participation in the proceedings, as well as the lawyers from «Bårdlund», who worked on the case over the past two months.
The decision may still be appealed by the state. If it becomes final and legally binding, the Russian national’s protection application must be reconsidered by the migration authorities, taking into account the court’s findings. The original court decision can be made available to interested journalists and researchers upon request.