Prominent Ukrainian volunteer Mykhailo Puryshev says he traveled to Russia after the FSB threatened to conscript his son into the Russian army.
Key facts
- •Mykhailo Puryshev is a volunteer recognized for evacuating civilians from Mariupol during the early stages of the war.
- •The FSB allegedly contacted Puryshev using his son's phone to demand cooperation.
- •Puryshev claimed the alternative to his cooperation was that the FSB would 'simply kill' his son.
- •Puryshev confirmed his arrival in Russia via a social media post.
- •The volunteer has two children living in Russia and two living in Ukraine.
Mykhailo Puryshev, a prominent Ukrainian volunteer known for his evacuation efforts in Mariupol, announced on August 17 that he has traveled to Russia. Puryshev claims he was blackmailed by Russia's security service, the FSB, which threatened to conscript his son into the Russian military if he did not cooperate.
Allegations of FSB Coercion
In a social media post, Puryshev shared a recording of a conversation with an individual he identified as an FSB agent. The agent, calling from his son's phone, warned that Puryshev needed to prevent his son from joining the Russian army and suggested that the Ukrainian soldiers Puryshev assists could eventually face his son in combat.
Puryshev's Decision
Puryshev, a native of occupied Mariupol, stated that he faced a choice between betraying his country or allowing his son to be harmed. He ultimately decided to travel to Russia, stating, 'I have arrived in Russia for the sake of my son.' Puryshev has four children in total, with two living in Ukraine and two residing in Russia from a previous marriage.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Kyiv Independent.
