DistantNews
Support us
FSB Blackmailing Me: Ukrainian Volunteer Claims Russian Services Tried to Recruit Him Through Son
🇺🇦 Ukraine /Conflict & Security

FSB Blackmailing Me: Ukrainian Volunteer Claims Russian Services Tried to Recruit Him Through Son

From Ukrainska Pravda · () Ukrainian

Translated from Ukrainian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Ukrainian volunteer Mykhailo Puryshev traveled to Moscow, claiming he was blackmailed by Russia's FSB using his son.
  • The FSB allegedly threatened to conscript Puryshev's son into the Russian army and send him to fight against Ukraine unless he cooperated.
  • Puryshev, known for evacuating families from Mariupol, stated he went to Moscow to save his son, whom he had not seen in over four years.

Ukrainian volunteer Mykhailo Puryshev says he flew to Moscow voluntarily on August 17, 2026, to counter alleged blackmail by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). Puryshev, renowned for his efforts to evacuate families from the besieged city of Mariupol, claims the FSB threatened to conscript his 18-year-old son, Oleksandr, into the Russian army and deploy him against Ukraine.

Puryshev recounted that the FSB contacted him via his son's Telegram number, using his son's voice to issue threats. A man speaking Russian allegedly told Puryshev, "You help the military, don't you? How would you feel if your son were on the other side, up against those people? Who matters more to you, Mikhail?" The use of his son's phone number indicated to Puryshev that his son was under the control of the FSB, compelling him to act.

Dad, there are some people here and they want to talk to you.

— Oleksandr PuryshevThe first words Mykhailo Puryshev heard from his son when contacted by the FSB.

Puryshev, who had been serving in the Ukrainian military and was nearing discharge, had been separated from his son for over four years following his divorce. His ex-wife had moved to Russia with their two children. He described a close relationship with his son, who dreamed of studying abroad. The full-scale Russian invasion had strained their communication, with Puryshev limiting contact to avoid endangering his son due to his volunteer work.

Puryshev was in Poland when he spoke to Ukrainska Pravda, detailing his decision to travel to Moscow. He stated his primary motivation was to save his son from the FSB's alleged coercion. The volunteer's actions highlight the extreme measures individuals may take when their families are caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflicts.

Good afternoon, Mikhail. You understand who you're talking to. The equivalent of your 'security service'. Let's be friends, Mikhail. If you don't want to be friends… you help the military, don't you? How would you feel if your son were on the other side, up against those people? Who matters more to you, Mikhail?

— FSB agentThe alleged threat made by an FSB agent to Mykhailo Puryshev, using his son's phone.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ukrainska Pravda in Ukrainian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog