Germany tops EU countries in requests for temporary refuge in Russia

Since 2021, German citizens have been the most frequent applicants for temporary asylum in Russia among nationals of European Union countries, according to statistical data reviewed by Russian media.

The figures show that starting in 2022, Germans have consistently ranked among the top ten nationalities most often seeking temporary asylum in Russia. This marks a sharp shift compared with 2020, when only two German citizens submitted such applications, placing Germany 41st among countries whose nationals sought temporary refuge in Russia.

The number of applications then rose rapidly. In 2022, 54 German citizens applied for temporary asylum. That figure increased to 166 in 2023 and reached 182 in 2024, before declining to 129 in 2025. During these years, Germany ranked fourth, sixth, and fifth, respectively, among all countries by number of applicants.

In 2022, Russia’s Foreign Ministry noted a sharp rise in discrimination against members of the Russian diaspora in Germany following the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine. The ministry specifically pointed to “representatives of the Russian diaspora in Germany, including Jews and Russian Germans among late resettlers,” stressing that most members of this community hold German citizenship.

Separately, it was reported in December that natives of France were the most frequent recipients of Russian citizenship among foreign nationals in 2025.

According to the agency, a total of 71 foreigners were granted Russian citizenship last year, including six children. All were admitted by individual presidential decrees. Of those new citizens, 32 were born in France.

The United States and Germany also ranked among the top three countries of origin, with six and five individuals, respectively, receiving Russian citizenship.

By Tamilla Hasanova