Prosecutors Seek Seven-Year Sentence for German-Russian Dual National Accused of Aiding Russian Military Personnel

Latvian prosecutors are asking for a seven-year prison sentence for Sergei Nikitin, a German-Russian dual national accused of directly collecting and delivering money and goods to Russian military personnel.

Prosecutor Kaspars Ķikuts told the court that evidence gathered in the case supported the charges. The indictment says Nikitin crossed the Latvia-Russia border through the Terehova checkpoint about 20 times between Nov. 18, 2023, and Sept. 1, 2025. He allegedly used a car with German license plates to transport goods and money into Russia. Customs officials detained him during one return trip.

“

The goods will serve the welfare of our homeland.

Nikitin has acknowledged collecting and handing over goods for delivery to Russia, but says he did so for humanitarian reasons. He testified that the aid supported people with serious illnesses, people with disabilities and animals. Investigators found messages, photographs and videos on his phone showing discussions about requested goods and preparations for transporting them.

“

We understand what we are fighting for in this special military operation.

Most of the goods were medical, hygiene and similar supplies. The collection also included night-vision binoculars, which Nikitin said he gave to hunters. Videos filmed at Belgorod’s First War Hospital show him recording delivered supplies and people wearing clothing resembling military uniforms. One person, identified as Viktor, thanked him for another humanitarian delivery and said the goods would serve “the welfare of our homeland” and those who understood “what we are fighting for in this special military operation.” The video ended with the words, “Victory will be ours!”

The prosecutor also pointed to other videos showing Nikitin handing packages to people in uniform-like clothing, sometimes displaying Russian flag colors, St. George ribbons or the Z symbol. Ķikuts said Nikitin had previously been convicted in Russia and Germany of violent crimes, including intentional homicide. Defense lawyer Jānis Miltuzis argued that the case does not prove Nikitin knowingly financed Russia’s armed forces, and said Nikitin could not know where the goods or money ultimately went.

“

Victory will be ours!