News

The EUAA’s newly published Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Russia outlines the latest developments in the political and human rights situation, as well as in processes governing military service in the country. It updates the Agency’s previous reports, published at the end of 2022 soon after the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and aims to provide EU+ national authorities impartial and objective information to help decide on applications by Russian nationals.

The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has just published an updated Country of Origin Information report, Russian Federation: Country Focus. Referencing events that took place between November 2024 and November 2025, it provides a detailed overview of the political system and governance in Russia, highlighting State control over the media and the internet as well as increased restrictions on political opposition, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly.

The Russian authorities have continued to expand national legislation on ‘foreign agents’, extremism, and terrorism, using criminal prosecution to target civil society activists, journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers, as well as critics of the government, including those individuals expressing anti-war views. The report also sheds light on the situation faced by religious minorities, LGBTIQ persons, and women. Members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses have faced prosecution under anti-extremism legislation, and have been subjected to arrests, trials, and imprisonment. The situation of LGBTIQ persons has deteriorated due to the expanded adoption and enforcement of restrictive legislation and societal discrimination. Women have faced gender-based violence, while forced marriages and so-called ‘Honour killings’ have been reported in the North Caucasus region.

In the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, military forces have been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The authorities have continued the large-scale recruitment of contract soldiers into the regular armed forces and private military companies. At the same time, an electronic military register has been established to collect data on individuals “eligible” for statutory military service from various State agencies, to facilitate the issuance of electronic conscription summons. Most recently, the authorities have introduced year-round conscription into obligatory military service for men aged 18 – 30 years.

EU Asylum situation for Russian nationals

Between January and September 2025, around 8 100 applications for international protection were lodged by Russian nationals in EU+ countries, including 2 000 repeated applications. The recognition rate in the first nine months of 2025 stood at around 17 %, down from 23 % in 2024.1

• 1

  EUAA, EPS data as of 13 November 2025