Foreign nationals detained in Russia over alleged Ukrainian ties

Two foreign nationals have been detained in Russia under accusations related to the conflict in Ukraine.

Artur Kirmjõe, a 30-year-old former Estonian Defense Forces medic, is being held by the FSB. Russian authorities accuse him of intending to join the Ukrainian armed forces. Kirmjõe’s family denies these claims, stating he traveled to Russia solely to visit his wife, who had been barred from entering Estonia. His relatives argue that a video released by the FSB showing a confession was coerced.

Separately, Swedish citizen Freddy Michael Stalkrantz Lingholm was detained in Russia’s Pskov region near the borders of Latvia and Belarus. Russian authorities allege he illegally crossed the border to conduct sabotage against military installations. Lingholm, a 35-year-old from Stockholm, previously served in the Ukrainian Aidar Battalion. His relatives confirmed he had fought for Ukraine. The Swedish government has stated it is conducting an investigation through its embassy in Moscow.