Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Wednesday that French researcher Laurent Vinatier has pleaded guilty to illegally collecting sensitive Russian military information that could potentially be used by hostile intelligence services. Vinatier, a 47-year-old expert on the former Soviet Union with extensive experience working in Russia, was arrested last month in a central Moscow restaurant by masked FSB officers.
The FSB statement alleges that Vinatier attempted to use his numerous contacts with political scientists, sociologists, economists, military experts, and government officials to gather military details that could compromise Russian national security. According to the FSB, “The French citizen fully admitted his guilt.”
Vinatier faces up to five years in prison if convicted and has been placed in pre-trial custody until August 5, despite a request for his release endorsed by the French embassy. Russian investigators claim that Vinatier had failed to comply with Russia’s foreign agents law for several years and possess audio recordings of some of his meetings. At least seven of his contacts have been questioned.
The arrest of Vinatier adds to a growing list of Western citizens detained in Russia, which Western diplomats view as a signal to French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been urging European leaders to increase support for Ukraine amidst Russian advances. Macron has denied that Vinatier, an employee of the Swiss-based conflict mediation group Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), worked for the French state. He has described the arrest as part of a disinformation campaign by Moscow and called for Vinatier’s release.
HD has stated that their employees routinely meet with various officials and experts worldwide as part of their work as an impartial mediation organization.
Under Russian law, individuals involved in political activities or collecting military information while receiving foreign assistance must register as “foreign agents” with the justice ministry. Western leaders argue that Russia is experiencing “spy mania” and using fabricated charges to detain Westerners for potential prisoner swaps. Russian officials counter that Western spy services are attempting to gather secrets and sow discord within Russia.
This incident further strains the already tense relations between Russia and Western nations, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader geopolitical rivalries.
Credit: Reuters
