Andrei Medvedev, who fled Russia in January 2023, has spoken about his time fighting in Ukraine as part of Wagner. The fighter's lawyer said Norwegian immigration authorities had denied him asylum three weeks ago.

Risnes said Medvedev planned to appeal the decision, but was not at risk of being deported to Russia. Norway's immigration authorities declined to comment on the ruling, first reported by the Dagbladet daily, citing the need to seek asylum seekers' permission.

Medvedev said he was an orphan, joined the Russian army and served time in prison before joining Wagner in July 2022.

Mai Van (according to Reuters)