Starlink restrictions won't affect Ukraine's ability to strike targets in Russia – ISW

Russia's FSB security service announced on Thursday the arrest of a Swedish man suspected of planning terrorist acts and sabotage for Ukraine. The 35-year-old individual, identified as Freddy Lindholm from Stockholm, was apprehended after allegedly crossing the Russian border under the guise of joining the Russian army. He faces charges for illegal border crossing and could potentially be charged with terrorism-related offenses.

A video purportedly showing Lindholm's confession emerged, during which he claimed to have arrived in Russia to use FPV (first-person view) drones for terrorist attacks and acts of sabotage. The Swedish Foreign Ministry acknowledged the reports but stated it was not currently involved in the case. Ukraine has not commented on the matter.

Lindholm reportedly signed a contract with the Ukrainian army's Aidar Battalion in Ternopil and received training in using FPV drones for surveillance purposes. Russian state television presented a copy of the purported contract with the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The FSB stated that Lindholm was detained in the western Pskov region, near Latvia and Belarus.

The FSB alleged that Lindholm had served as a Ukrainian drone commander for a terrorist organization between February and June. Since Russia's war with Ukraine began, the FSB has been instructed by President Vladimir Putin to heighten vigilance against foreign spies and saboteurs. Earlier this week, the FSB detained a Japanese journalist in Russia's Far East on suspicion of espionage. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi denied Tokyo's involvement in espionage within Russia.