Russia may use detained Swede to pressure government

Russia could use a Swedish man detained by its security service as leverage in political dealings, several intelligence and security experts have warned, SVT reports. The man, in his 30s and from the Stockholm area, was arrested by Russia’s FSB.

SVT reviewed public Ukrainian records linking the man to a battalion fighting Russia. Russia designated the unit a terrorist organisation in September 2023. According to information from Russia’s Foreign Ministry to SVT, the man could face charges including terrorism.

“They are trying to draw links to terrorism to make this seem especially culpable. This means they do not have the same status as prisoners of war,” said Tony Ingesson, a lecturer in intelligence analysis.

Days before the arrest, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and the country’s former president, wrote on Telegram that Russia would likely need to gather European and American citizens who could be used as bargaining chips to bring Russians home.

Security expert Joakim von Braun said Russia had used such exchanges before. Ingesson said the detained man could be used to put pressure on the Swedish government. Jörgen Holmlund, an expert on security and psychological warfare, said the arrest was politically sensitive because it involved relations between Russia and a NATO member.

The Russian Embassy in Stockholm told SVT it had not been contacted by the Swedish government. It said it had repeatedly warned foreign “adventurers and mercenaries” about the risks of fighting in Ukraine, adding that those who ignored the warnings bore full responsibility for what happened to them.

Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs said it had requested information from Russian authorities and consular access if it was confirmed that a Swedish citizen had been detained. The ministry also said it was in contact with the man’s relatives.