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Estonian Authorities Detain Polish Citizen Attempting to Join Russian Army
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Authorities in the Estonian city of Narva have detained a 49-year-old Polish citizen accused of planning to join the Russian army to fight against Ukraine, ERR reported on August 13.
Police said the man attempted to illegally cross the border via the Narva River using an inflatable mattress. He was found carrying items with symbols expressing support for Russia’s aggression.
An investigation revealed that the suspect had traveled to Estonia from Serbia. Prosecutors have charged him under the article for participation in or assistance with an act of aggression.
The Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that “joining the armed forces of the Russian Federation poses an indirect threat to the security of Estonia and the entire European Union.” The court approved the prosecution’s request to hold the suspect in custody for two months.
Police stressed that taking part in aggression against Ukraine is a criminal offense, warning that even foreigners attempting to support Russia’s military actions through Estonia will face prosecution.
Law enforcement officials noted that the detention prevented the man from reaching Russia, likely saving Ukrainian lives.
Earlier, Estonia expelled the first secretary of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn, declaring the diplomat persona non grata for actions that it says undermined the country’s constitutional order.
