in order for an individual to seek asylum in russia, he must be designated by the federal migration service as such. the fms will conduct a substantive investigation, or refugee status determination (rsd), once an asylum seekers application is registered. the 1997 law on refugees defines the term "refugee" as "a person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution". the individual seeking asylum must satisfy the requirements set forth in the definition of "refugee" in order to obtain asylum in russia.