World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Russia says it detained Swedish citizen over alleged Ukraine service and sabotage plot
Russia’s FSB says it detained a Swedish citizen in the Pskov region.
The agency alleges he served in Ukraine’s armed forces from February to June 2026 as a commander in a unit that Russia has designated a terrorist organization.
The FSB says he entered Russia pretending to seek a place in its armed forces, but intended to sabotage military facilities.
The agency says it has documents showing he took part in combat against Russia.
Russian authorities have opened a case accusing him of illegally crossing the border.
The FSB says it plans to bring further charges over organizing a terrorist organization and mercenarism.
His name has not been disclosed.
Russia’s Federal Security Service said it detained a Swedish citizen in the Pskov region over allegations of illegal border crossing and plans to sabotage military facilities.
The FSB said he served with Ukrainian forces from February to June 2026 and entered Russia under the guise of joining the Russian military.
The Moscow Times identified the man as 35-year-old Freddy Michael Stålkrantz Lindholm, while Meduza said the FSB had not disclosed his name.
Russian authorities opened a case over alleged illegal border crossing, and the FSB said he also faces allegations related to a terrorist organization and mercenary activity.
The Swedish embassy and foreign ministry had not publicly commented, according to The Moscow Times.
- Who
- A Swedish citizen, identified by The Moscow Times as 35-year-old Freddy Michael Stålkrantz Lindholm. Meduza said the FSB had not disclosed his name.
- What
- The FSB said it detained him and accused him of illegally crossing the border to plot sabotage at military facilities.
- When
- The detention was reported on October 15, 2026. The FSB said he served in Ukraine from February to June 2026.
- Where
- The FSB said he was detained in the Sebezhsky district of Russia’s Pskov region, near the borders with Latvia and Belarus.
- Why
- The FSB alleged he entered Russia to carry out sabotage at military facilities.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The FSB said the Swedish citizen served with Ukrainian forces as a commander of a drone squad.
The FSB’s detention and allegations were reported by The Moscow Times and Meduza.
- Detention location
- Sebezhsky district, Pskov region
- Reported age
- 35
- Reported name
- Freddy Michael Stålkrantz Lindholm
- Alleged service period
- February–June 2026
- Alleged charges
- Illegal border crossing, participation in a terrorist organization, and mercenary activity
3 sources
What people are saying
There are documents confirming his participation in combat operations against our country as part of Ukraine’s armed forces
sabotage and terrorist acts at military facilities