Fraud charges lead to conscription
Sergei Mulivanov, a 59-year-old who moved to the Moscow region two years ago after emigrating from Latvia, signed a military contract while in pre-trial detention following his April arrest for fraud. Russian police charged Mulivanov with fraud after he allegedly transported stolen currency while working as a courier, though he pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges. His friends and lawyer claim he was tricked into signing the military contract during his detention. On October 28, Russian authorities informed Mulivanov and his lawyer that he would be sent to the war, a process that is typical for suspects who agree to join the military in lieu of criminal prosecution. He has been out of contact for six days since his deployment to the front in late October, according to his family and friends in the Moscow region. This forced deployment is a bleak outcome for a man who previously used his platform to support the Russian military effort.
Political views and combat losses
The 59-year-old Mulivanov had previously been a vocal critic of Latvia, where he claimed there was an "oppression of Russians" and expressed strong support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He called for reinstating Russian television and radio in Latvia, promoting Russian language education in schools, and suspending Latvian support to Ukraine. Following the full-scale invasion in 2022, he moved to Russia and obtained Russian citizenship. Russian media, quoting his friends and family, noted that he found work as a courier in the Moscow region. He became involved in criminal activities by knowingly or unknowingly transporting stolen currency during his employment.
The Ukrainian General Staff estimated that Russian combat losses reached 54,400 soldiers in October 2026, which is the highest monthly loss recorded since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. This massive figure indicates a significant increase in casualties as the conflict continues to escalate. The surge in combat deaths occurred in the same month that authorities informed Mulivanov of his deployment. This news follows a pattern of recruitment within the Russian penal system to replenish troops. These combat losses are greater than any other month since the war began in 2022.
