Macedonian Arrested for Attempting to Join Russian Army

North Macedonian police have arrested a citizen, identified by the initials J.K., for allegedly attempting to join the Russian army to fight in Ukraine, marking a first in the country. The suspect was detained on November 29 and placed under house arrest for 30 days, facing charges of participating in a foreign military group, which could result in a minimum three-year prison sentence. He reportedly communicated online with a Russian army recruiter who offered 3,000 euros for joining a newly formed unit and traveled to Moscow in October. Upon returning, he was interrogated at Skopje airport, where he disclosed intentions to sign a contract for military service. Authorities also conducted a search of his home, seizing relevant documentation. North Macedonia, a NATO member since 2020, has imposed sanctions on Russia and supports Ukraine militarily.