Sweden’s Chilly Relationship with Russia Set to Deep-Freeze

Johan Mathias Sommarström

This is a commentary  text.

 The analysis and viewpoints expressed are those of the author.

 

Published 18.30

Soldater från anfallsregementet Ajdar, där svensken enligt rysk media ska ha ingått. Foto: SOPA Images Limited / Alamy Stock Photo

Russia may classify him as a terrorist.

The chances of his imminent release are non-existent.

Yet, there is much we do not know.

In the video, he looks straight into the camera—weary and solemn—stating his name and age. Between the abrupt cuts, he explains in English how he joined Ukrainian forces. He claims he was sent to carry out acts of terror in Russia.

The Swede was apprehended by the intelligence service for illegally crossing the Russian border near the Baltic region.

They allege that, under the pretext of enlisting in the Russian army, he was planning acts of sabotage and terrorism.

Perhaps that is the case - perhaps not.

Russian authorities and media lack any shred of credibility.

Furthermore, public video confessions are a heavily criticized practice. Research has shown that individuals under intense interrogation pressure often confess to acts they did not commit. In some cases, they may also be enticed by the prospect of a lighter sentence.

There is much we do not know.

According to reports in Russian media,

 the Swede allegedly served in a drone unit in Ukraine between February and June of this year. The unit is part of an assault regiment known as Aidar. Formed in 2014, it was one of the first volunteer battalions in Ukraine.

The complication for the Swede is that Russia views Aidar as a terrorist organization.

Others who have been captured were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 to 17 years. It is also safe to assume that they were not handled with kid gloves.

Prisoners of war are to be treated in accordance with the Geneva Convention—a treaty Russia has also signed. This mandates humane treatment and strictly prohibits any form of torture. Russia has committed itself to upholding these terms.

But 

—

and it is a significant 

"

but

t"—

Russia does not classify captured Aidar soldiers as prisoners of war. Instead, they are labeled as terrorists, and are treated and sentenced accordingly.

Previous trials involving Aidar soldiers have been criticized by human rights organizations as "show trials" that violate international law.

In short, this is bad news for the man who has been captured; Sweden’s already chilly relations with Russia are likely to freeze over completely, and there is a high risk that he will be gone for a long time.