The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has announced its involvement in the case of former Wagner fighter Alexander Babkov’s deportation to Uzbekistan. MIA spokesperson Irina Volk made the announcement in a post on the ministry’s Telegram channel.
Babkov has been invited to the migration department in the Sverdlovsk region to submit his documents and apply for temporary asylum. Eventually, he will be granted Russian citizenship.
Babkov is a veteran of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) and has been awarded the state medal for bravery, as well as the medals “Bakhmut Meat Grinder,” “Capture of Bakhmut,” and “Black Cross.” In his home country, he faces imprisonment for participating in combat operations outside of Russia.
Previously, the Wagner fighters were presented with their first veteran certificates. The event was organized by the Support Fund for Participants of Special Military Operations “Defenders of the Fatherland.” The fund emphasized the significance of this recognition, as many veterans were awarded medals and honors.
Earlier, a court in Kazakhstan sentenced a Wagner fighter to six years and eight months for his involvement in battles near Bakhmut.