koutepova was suddenly one among the increasing numbers of asylum seekers., had to wait for months to even get an official appointment. >> on some days, three, four, or five thousand people come to our offices. there's no way to manage that. we lack funds and the political will. that's just how it is. reporter: nadejda koutepova's life in a cheap, out-of-the-way hotel doesn't make her feel safe in france. the russian secret service has made life hard for many exiled critics of the government. koutepova is certain she's under surveillance. >> recently one person wrote to me and i think that person works for the security system of russia. so now he tried to cooperate with me, exactly for the reason that they need information on what i plan to do. reporter: she doesn't feel welcome in france, but isn't willing to return to russia, where she would be under threat. >> people tell me that, nadejda, you should be happy because you left your nuclear hell and you are in paris. but you know that the circumstances were not so that i felt happy. of course i miss my ural