Well "technically" it is neutral, but on a practical level, if the Russians want someone they will go in and arrest them. It's more of a legal fiction for the host country. France, for example, will move people from one neutral area to another, and the vehicle used is considered a moving, "neutral" bubble of its own.

I think the process will unfortunately have to be the punishment. His first choices for safe haven were Hong Kong and Iceland. Nice places to live, first world countries, easy enough to get around with just English, the creature comforts he needs. Venezuela on the other hand, is most definitely not the first world, and toilet paper is considered a hot commodity on the black market.