A Fighter from Russia’s Freedom Legion Seeks Ukrainian Citizenship

Shamil Lukozhev: Building a New Life in Ukraine

According to Главком: Shamil Lukozhev, a soldier with the Freedom Legion of Russia, intends to remain in Ukraine after the war ends, apply for citizenship, and never return to Russia. Originally from Ossetia, he signed a contract with the Russian army in 2021. In early 2022, his unit was deployed to Crimea, where he survived an FPV drone attack. His comrades evacuated him, helped him contact his girlfriend, arranged housing, and covered the cost of his surgery.

After Russian forces entered Ukraine, Shamil made his way on his own to Ukrainian territorial defense units. It was there that he later learned about the Freedom Legion of Russia. Today, he wants to work legally in Ukraine, use banking services, save money for a home, and live together with his family.

Why He Wants Ukrainian Citizenship

Shamil Lukozhev has openly expressed his desire to become a Ukrainian citizen. He explained:

“To continue my life here and have opportunities-like opening a bank card, saving for a plot of land, starting to build or buy a house to live with my family-I need citizenship.”

He also made clear his determination to stay in Ukraine:

“I’m not leaving, even if the war ends tomorrow and Putin is removed. I can’t go back there. Yesterday, I was killing occupiers; today, I’m supposed to go there and walk among them? That would sicken me. I don’t even want to think about it.”

In short, Shamil Lukozhev is committed to building his life in Ukraine and refusing to return to Russia-a decision shaped by his wartime experiences and beliefs.

His story and intentions highlight how personal and political identities can shift amid conflict. During war, former soldiers from opposing armies sometimes find new places in societies they once viewed as enemy territory. Such cases may offer important insights into the human consequences of war and the potential for reintegrating individuals who change their views and life choices due to personal experiences. They could also influence post-war recovery and reconciliation strategies in Ukraine and the broader region.

Shamil Lukozhev's journey is a striking example of how the experiences of war can alter one's identity and future aspirations. As he seeks to establish a new life in Ukraine, it raises important questions about the fate of other Russian soldiers who have found themselves in similar situations. For a deeper understanding of the challenges and transformations faced by these individuals, read more about the experiences of Russian fighters in Ukraine.