Sweden Denies Travel Document to Russian Refugee Who Fought for…
Sweden's Migration Service refused to issue a new travel document to Russian refugee Alexey Makarov, who fought for the Armed Forces of Ukraine after the war began.
Consensus
- Alexei Makarov, a Russian political refugee, was denied a new travel document by Sweden.
- The refusal was based on a security assessment by Sweden's Security Police (Säpo).
- Makarov has permanent residency and refugee status in Sweden.
- Makarov fought for Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
- Makarov was twice seriously wounded during combat in Ukraine.
- The decision to deny the travel document was made on September 7, 2026.
- Makarov has appealed the decision and is awaiting a response.
- In August 2025, Makarov was also denied Swedish citizenship based on Säpo's assessment.
- Säpo's assessment cited unspecified activities abroad that allegedly threaten national security.
- Makarov claims the only country he was active in outside Sweden is Ukraine.
- Makarov was previously sentenced to two years in prison in Russia in 2006 for a brawl with pro-Kremlin activists.
- Makarov fled Russia in 2009 and settled in Ukraine before moving to Sweden in 2011.
Points of divergence
- Makarov is described as a former nationalist, not an anarchist. — novaya_eu
- The expired travel document expired in September 2024. — tg_echoonline_news
- Makarov is described as an anarchist. — mediazona
- Makarov claims he is effectively living under 'serfdom' in Sweden. — tg_astrapress
- Makarov's refugee status and permanent residency were granted on June 30, 2011. — tg_theinsider
Coverage (5 sources)
- Sweden Refused to Issue New Travel Document to Russian Refugee Who Fought for Ukraine — Новая газета Европа
- Sweden denied travel document to Russian refugee who fought for Ukraine — The Insider — ЭХО / Новости
- Swedish authorities refused to issue a travel document to a Russian anarchist refugee who fought for Ukraine, with which he can travel abroad — Медиазона
- Swedish intelligence agencies forbid me from continuing the fight against the Russian state. Former nationalist, who fought for Ukraine, so... — ASTRA
- Sweden denied travel document to Russian who fought for Ukraine due to intelligence agency stance. He received refugee status... — The Insider