# Russia detained an Estonian man, accusing him of trying to join Ukraine’s armed forces

https://mins.news/en/item/72446

- Meduza, 2026-09-24 14:01 UTC
- World
- Original: https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/09/24/russia-detained-an-estonian-accusing-him-of-trying-to-join-ukraine-s-armed-forces-he-had-come-to-see-his-wife-whom-estonia-had-denied-asylum

> Russia’s Federal Security Service detained Estonian citizen Artur Kirmjõe in Vladimir in spring 2026 and accused him of seeking to join Ukraine’s armed forces, according to iStories and Delfi. Journalists identified the 30-year-old paramedic as a former member of Estonia’s Scout Battalion. He had traveled to Russia to be with his wife after Estonia denied her asylum. Kirmjõe was charged with mercenary activity and preparing to commit a crime; the mercenary charge carries seven to 15 years in prison.

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