Yle has recently unveiled a series of images depicting a man identified as Yevgeny, who crossed into eastern Ukraine without permission back in June.
In a separate but related development, the North Karelia Border Guard announced that a Russian national, who illicitly entered Finland, has been sent back to Russia. The agency decided to share details about this case in light of the rumors circulating regarding the man’s background.
Previously reported by Yle, Finnish officials were holding Yevgeny, who allegedly has ties to the Wagner private military company. He informed authorities that he was escaping the war. The Border Guard confirmed that he indeed had a military history, although they refrained from disclosing further specifics.
### Military Background Revealed Post-Arrest
The man’s military connections came to light only after his arrest. On June 17, the North Karelia Border Guard apprehended him in Kitee after he crossed illegally through a wooded section of the border. The agency’s surveillance systems picked him up, triggering a prompt response from a patrol unit.
Yle reported that alert sensors along the Finnish border detected his presence, leading to his custody. Furthermore, the news organization identified several images of Yevgeny in eastern Ukraine, where he claimed involvement in combat. He has openly identified himself as a Wagner fighter on his social media platforms, sharing videos that criticize Russian military leadership.
Finnish authorities have confirmed that Yevgeny applied for international protection upon entering Finland.