France, Oct. 18 -- France has granted temporary refuge to six Russian soldiers who fled rather than fight the war in Ukraine, the first time a European Union country has let in deserters without passports or travel documents. An anti-war activist who helped them escape tells RFI about the difficult process of getting former fighters to safety.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began two years ago, thousands of Russian soldiers have either deserted or refused to follow orders, according to human rights activists and groups aiding those who flee.

At least six of them have received temporary entry permits while they apply for political asylum in France, British newspaper The Guardian revealed this week.

Ivan Chuviliaev, a spokesman for a...