Finland halts deportation of mother and son who aided Ukraine

The Finnish authorities have suspended the deportation of Olga Belova and her son, Nikita Belov, who faced imminent removal to Russia. According to the Anti-War Committee, enforcement of the order has been stayed while their defence is managed by a lawyer and the Committee’s consul, Irina Vesikko.

Olga and Nikita were taken into custody on 24 April following the exhaustion of their legal appeals. Earlier that month, a court upheld the rejection of their asylum claims, a development documented by Mediazona and the Russian-language outlet RuLehti. Upon being informed of her impending removal at a police station, Olga Belova collapsed and lost consciousness.

The family’s flight from Russia was precipitated by Nikita Belov’s refusal to participate in a Moscow-based classified project. He told the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat that despite assurances from management that the work was unrelated to the war, he discovered the project’s true nature and resigned. This act of defiance triggered a campaign of threats and administrative pressure against both Nikita and his mother, Olga, a career anaesthesiologist, ultimately forcing them to flee.

Since settling in the town of Uusikaupunki, Olga and Nikita have been heavily involved in volunteer efforts to support both Ukrainian civilians and the country’s military. Their work has included joining the local Red Cross, acting as interpreters for refugees, and collaborating with the FinEst Volunteers organisation to coordinate the delivery of essential supplies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Legal observers warn that both mother and son now face the grave risk of prosecution for high treason should they be returned to Russian jurisdiction.