Pro-Russian Latvian moves to Russia, gets forcibly conscripted into the Russian army
on Google
A prominent Latvian supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine who emigrated to Russia two years ago, was sent to participate in Russia's war in late October after being forcibly conscripted into the Russian military, Russian opposition outlet The Insider reported on Nov. 5.
After Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, 59-year-old Sergei Mulivanov was a vocal critic of what he described as Latvia's, "oppression of Russians," and strong support for Ukraine, according to the Insider.
Mulivanov advocated for the suspension of Latvian support to Ukraine, the promotion of Russian language education in Latvian schools, and the reinstatement of Russian television and radio stations within Latvia.
After moving to Russia, Mulivanov moved to the Moscow region and was granted Russian citizenship, according to Russian media quoting the man's friends and family. He found work as a courier but became involved in criminal activities, knowingly or unknowingly transporting stolen currency.
In April, Mulivanov was arrested by Russian police and charged with fraud, charges to which he pleaded not guilty. While in pre-trial detention, Mulivanov signed a military contract and was subsequently sent to participate in the Russian invasion he had previously vocally supported.
Mulivanov's friends and lawyer claim he was tricked into signing the contract.
On Oct. 28, Russian authorities investigating Mulivanov's case informed him and his lawyer that he was being sent to war, as is typical for suspects who agree to join the military in lieu of criminal prosecution
Since he was sent to the front, Mulivanov has been out of contact for six days, his friends and family claim.
Russia's combat losses in October 2026, estimated as reaching 54,400 soldiers lost, were greater than in any other month since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine's General Staff said.
