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Ukrainian volunteer says he is safe after FSB blackmail claim

Created at 19 Aug · 4:51 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Ukrainian volunteer Mykhailo Puryshev, who claimed Russian FSB agents blackmailed him by threatening his son, has released a video stating he is safe and no longer in Russia. He thanked supporters for their help but offered no further details.

Key Numbers

August 19Puryshev's safety update date
August 17Puryshev's arrival in Moscow date
six timesPuryshev's evacuation trips to Mariupol
2022Year of Mariupol evacuations

Who's Involved

Mykhailo Puryshev
Ukrainian volunteer who claimed FSB blackmail
FSB
Russian security agency accused of blackmail
Ukrainian volunteer says he is safe after FSB blackmail claim

↳ Why This Matters

The case highlights the risks faced by individuals involved in humanitarian efforts during wartime and the potential for state security services to exert pressure through family members.

Key facts

  • Ukrainian volunteer Mykhailo Puryshev stated he is safe and no longer in Russia.
  • Puryshev claimed the Russian FSB blackmailed him by threatening his son.
  • He was pressured to share information about Ukrainian military positions.
  • Puryshev traveled to Moscow on August 17.
  • He expressed gratitude to supporters and human rights organizations.

Ukrainian volunteer Mykhailo Puryshev, known for his efforts in Mariupol, has announced he is safe and has left Russia, following claims that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) blackmailed him. Puryshev had traveled to Moscow on August 17 after stating the FSB threatened to conscript his son into the Russian army if he did not cooperate by providing information on Ukrainian military positions.

In a video released on August 19, Puryshev expressed gratitude to his supporters and human rights organizations for their assistance in ensuring his safety. He stated that he could not provide further details on the situation at this time. Puryshev, originally from occupied Mariupol, has four children; two live in Russia, and two live in Ukraine. He gained recognition for driving into besieged Mariupol multiple times in the spring of 2022 to evacuate residents.

Frequently asked questions

Mykhailo Puryshev is a well-known Ukrainian volunteer who gained recognition for his efforts in evacuating people from Mariupol during the siege in 2022.

Puryshev claimed the Russian FSB blackmailed him by threatening to draft his son into the Russian Armed Forces and send him to fight against Ukraine if he did not cooperate.

Puryshev stated in a video that he is no longer in the Russian Federation but did not disclose his current location.

What Happens Next

01Puryshev may provide further details on the situation when possible.

How It Developed

Puryshev claimed the Russian FSB blackmailed him by threatening his son.
The FSB demanded Puryshev share information about Ukrainian military positions.
Puryshev flew to Moscow on August 17.
Puryshev released a video on August 19 stating he is safe and no longer in Russia.
He thanked supporters and human rights organizations for their assistance.

Sources

T1
Ukrainian volunteer who says FSB blackmailed him says he is safe, no longer in RussiaThe Kyiv Independent

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