FSB Arrests Swede in Pskov Region Over Border Crossing and Sabotage Allegations

Oct. 15, 2026 FSB Russia’s FSB security service said Thursday it has arrested a Swedish citizen in the northwestern Pskov region on allegations of illegally crossing the border to carry out sabotage attacks against military facilities. An FSB video published by the state-run news agency TASS showed the man identifying himself through an interpreter as 35-year-old Freddy Michael Stålkrantz Lindholm. In a statement on its website, the FSB said it had detained Lindholm in the Sebezhsky district near the border with Latvia and Belarus. It did not indicate from which country he crossed into Russia. The FSB claimed he crossed into Russian territory under the guise of enlisting in the Russian military, with the alleged intent of committing “sabotage and terrorist acts at military facilities.” The FSB said Lindholm served as a contracted service member in Ukraine from February to June this year as a squad commander operating drones. In the interrogation video, Lindholm said he had signed a military contract with the Aidar battalion, which Russia has banned as a terrorist organization. He also said he signed the contract in the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, where he underwent training to operate reconnaissance drones and later instructed other recruits. The FSB reported that Lindholm was charged with illegally crossing the state border and added that he also faces charges of participating in a terrorist organization and mercenary activities. The Swedish Foreign Ministry said it was aware of media reports about the detention, but was not currently involved in the case. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Reuters contributed reporting. Read more about: Espionage , Pskov Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Siberian Scientist Dies in Custody After Treason Arrest – Reports “They took a sick man, who was practically dying and feeding through a tube.” Russian Spy Tried To Penetrate War Crimes Court, Say Dutch Dutch intelligence said the spy works for Russia's GRU military intelligence service and posed as a Brazilian national. Moscow Says U.S. Spy Plane Nearly Caused Mid-Air 'Catastrophe' An Aeroflot flight reportedly had to dive to keep its distance from the reconnaissance aircraft. Ukrainian Journalist Detained in Moscow Accused of Spying Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused a Ukrainian journalist detained in Moscow of espionage. The FSB called Roman Sushchenko “an operative...