Ruslan is one of the Russian soldiers who have sailed secretly through Denmark on the shadow fleet. He has been at war in Ukraine since 2014 and until at least 2023. He has a checkered history of crime. In 2023, he received the Order of Courage, which is one of the highest medals of honor a Russian soldier can receive.
Photo: Private photo/
Russian mercenaries secretly sailed around Denmark
Since May 2025, at least 83 Russians with military, intelligence, police, or security backgrounds have sailed secretly through Danish waters 140 times on 65 shadow fleet tankers, disguised as technicians, radio engineers, or “extra crew.” Several are linked to the Wagner Group. Danwatch and 14...
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