Armenian citizen detained in Russia: Russians believe he fought on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.


In Domodedovo airport, Armenian citizen Armen Balian was detained, whom Russian special services suspect of fighting on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the Investigative Committee of Russia, Balian crossed the border with Moldova in November 2022 and participated in hostilities in the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kherson regions. In August 2024, he was accused of mercenarism and put on the wanted list. Balian was detained in October when attempting to enter Russian territory. He admitted his guilt and was sent to a pre-trial detention center by a court in Moscow.
Moreover, on November 1, a court in Russia found former U.S. consulate employee Robert Shonov guilty of illegal cooperation with the U.S. government with the aim of harming Russia's national security. Shonov was detained in 2023, accused of receiving money for passing information to American diplomats, which could have harmed Russia.
Currently, it is the 987th day of the war in Ukraine.
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