Latvian activist Sergey Mulivanov coerced into Russian military contract

A Pro-Kremlin Activist’s Forced Departure

Sergey Mulivanov spent years championing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine from abroad, but his loyalty has now landed him on the front lines. The 59-year-old activist, who left Latvia to move to Russia, was pressured into signing a military contract while held in a Moscow detention center. Apprehended in April 2026 on charges of fraud, Mulivanov now finds himself serving in a military he once sought to bolster through recruitment. A member of the Latvian Russian Union, Mulivanov had previously contributed to Russian propaganda outlets, including the Tsargrad television channel, while advocating for the suspension of Latvian aid to Kyiv and the restoration of Russian media in his home country.

From Latvian Dissident to Moscow Courier

Mulivanov’s transition to Russia in 2024 followed a career as a vocal critic of the Latvian government, particularly regarding its support for Kyiv and policies on the Russian language. By 2025, he claimed to be actively recruiting Latvian residents for the Russian military. Upon arriving in the Moscow region, however, his life shifted from political agitation to the gig economy; he found work as a courier. His legal team and relatives maintain he was an unwitting participant in a criminal scheme, serving as a “money mule” for fraudsters who targeted victims. He has pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges since his April 2026 arrest. After moving to Russia, he was granted citizenship.

Lawyers Report Coerced Military Contract Despite Worsening Health Conditions

While held in pretrial detention, Mulivanov’s health deteriorated. Family members state he suffers from type 2 diabetes and polyneuropathy, conditions they argue render him medically unfit for combat. Despite formal requests for a medical evaluation, his lawyers report that no examination occurred before he signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry. On October 28, authorities notified his defense that he was being deployed to the war, a common practice for suspects agreeing to service in lieu of prosecution.

Loved ones and legal counsel allege he was coerced into signing the agreement while in custody. Attempts by Mulivanov and his lawyer to formally withdraw from the contract were ignored. Instead, he was transferred to Rostov-on-Don against his will.

The Silence of the Front Lines

Mulivanov was sent to the military in late October, according to reports. The move marks a stark reversal for a man who once positioned himself as a volunteer recruiter for the state.

Border Security Tensions

On the night of November 2, an unidentified drone crashed in the Balvi region near the Russian border, prompting immediate ground search operations. Latvian Interior Minister Jānis Dombravs and the country’s armed forces reported that the Prosecutor’s Office is investigating whether migrants on the Belarusian side are being coerced into damaging Latvian infrastructure as a condition for illegal entry.

Case Summary

Charges: Detained in April 2026 on suspicion of fraud for transporting money stolen by criminal groups. Mulivanov maintains he was a victim of a scam.
Medical Concerns: Relatives and legal counsel state he suffers from type 2 diabetes and polyneuropathy. They allege authorities ignored requests for a medical evaluation while he was in pretrial detention.
Current Status: Transported to the Rostov-on-Don region in late October and deployed to the front lines. Family members have been unable to establish contact with him since his departure.

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