SloveniaA former Russian soldier, 30-year-old Alisa and 37-year-old Sergey Sadovnikov, fled their military service during the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by rowing over 330 kilometers across the Black Sea in a modified kayak. After witnessing severe human rights violations and abuses within the Russian military, they attempted to defect to Turkey. Their perilous journey lasted eight days without food, ending in exhaustion and hallucinations near the Turkish coast. They were detained by Turkish authorities and relocated to a deportation center in Kütahya. While their lawyer has temporarily halted deportation proceedings, their fate remains uncertain, with potential return to Russia carrying up to ten years in prison.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the couple’s defection as a justified escape from war crimes and abuse within the Russian military, emphasizing their moral stance against the regime. The narrative highlights systemic abuses and portrays the Russian state as oppressive, aligning with left-leaning perspectives. It
