The U.S. recently deported another group of Russian nationals, Russian America for Democracy in Russia president Dmitry Valuev announced via social media on Jan. 25. Valuev wrote on Facebook that, as in previous cases, the deportation was routed through Egypt. It marked at least the fifth such flight involving Russians since the start of 2025.
The plane, which departed from Phoenix-Mesa airport in Arizona, was also carrying citizens of Iran and Arab countries. “Among the Russians are both those who were denied asylum and people whose petitions and appeals to higher authorities are still under review,” Valuev wrote.
“A few days before their flight, Russians, Iranians, and citizens of Arabic-speaking countries were transferred to a special transit detention center at Mesa International Airport. According to the detainees, the conditions were harsh: the cells were overcrowded, and many were forced to sleep on the floor,” Valuev wrote.
The previous group of Russians was deported from the United States in early December. Upon arrival in Moscow, all men on board were handed military draft notices. In at least two cases, Russians deported from the U.S. were arrested after returning to their home country: activist Leonid Melekhin, who is accused of “justifying terrorism,” and serviceman Artyom Vovchenko, who faces criminal charges for desertion.