In the Tver region, FSB officers detained a resident of Tver, who, according to the security forces, was going to go to Ukraine to fight against the Russian army there. It is reported by TASS with reference to the FSB.
The name of the detainee is not called, it is specified that he is 40 years old. The report of the special service says that he kept in touch with the representative of the Ukrainian side via the Internet, studied the route of departure to the territory of Ukraine and "acquired elements of military equipment, uniforms and medical supplies."
The man was detained at the railway station in Tver when he allegedly tried to leave in the direction of the Russian-Ukrainian border. A criminal case was brought against him under the article on preparation for committing treason in the form of going over to the side of the enemy.
Several similar cases have already been initiated in Russia. On January 9, the FSB announced the arrest of a resident of the Bryansk region, and on December 12, the arrest of 60-year-old resident of Abakan Igor Pokusin. Both detainees allegedly planned to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The case “on preparations for going over to the side of the enemy” was opened in December against 21-year-old Russian Saveliy Frolov, who was removed from the bus at the Upper Lars checkpoint while trying to leave for Georgia. The border guards took away his smartphone, studied the contents and read his correspondence with a friend, where the possibility of joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine was discussed in a joking manner. Frolov's friend Nikita told The Insider about this earlier. According to him, before the case was brought against Frolov, FSB officers came to him. They explained to him that they figured him out by billing, and during the interrogation they tried to gain access to his phone using special equipment. The security forces accused Nikita of being engaged in anti-war activities and preparing those who wish to fight on the side of Ukraine. After their visit, he left Russia.
On July 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law equating to treason going over to the side of the enemy in the context of hostilities. The accused under this article can face up to 20 years in prison.