Azov supporter who encouraged Russian soldiers to defect to the AFU detained

Law-enforcement agencies have detained a Moscow resident who joined the Azov national battalion (recognized as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia) and persuaded Russian servicemen to defect to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU). This was reported on January 7 by the press service of the FSSB of Russia in the capital and Moscow region.

"As a result of operational and investigative measures, it was established that the Russian, being a neo-nationalist, before the start of the special military operation repeatedly traveled to the territory of Ukraine, where he established contact with the commander of one of the units of the battalion "Azov", after which he joined its ranks", - quotes the message of the department "RIA Novosti".

It is specified that since the beginning of the special military operation (SMO) Muscovite, acting on the instructions of handlers through social networks, tried to persuade Russian servicemen to move to the side of the enemy. In addition, he collected information about the deployment of Russian troops in the combat zone.

A criminal case was opened in connection with this, and the man was detained. He may face imprisonment for up to 20 years.

Earlier, on December 16, 2024, the military court sentenced Vasily Zharkov, accused of state treason, participation in the terrorist organization "Russian Freedom Legion" (recognized as terrorist and banned in Russia) and in the preparation of sabotage at strategic facilities in the Moscow region, to 19 years in prison. The convict himself did not admit guilt, and his lawyer explained his client's actions by "hormonal failure due to the lack of love relationships" - such a position of the defense caused great surprise to the relatives and loved ones of the defendant.