SKOPJE, North Macedonia — Authorities in North Macedonia have detained a citizen suspected of plans to enlist in the Russian military and participate in the conflict in Ukraine, as stated by the nation’s Interior Ministry.

This marks the first instance where a Macedonian national has been formally charged with such an offense.

The individual, referred to only by the initials J.K., was apprehended late Friday, and an investigative judge has mandated that he is placed under house arrest for a period of 30 days. The charges against him include “participating in a foreign army, police, paramilitary or parapolice formation.” If found guilty, he could face a minimum sentence of three years in prison.

According to the ministry, the suspect had been communicating online with an individual who claimed to be affiliated with the Russian army and was seeking recruits for a financial incentive of 3,000 euros. Eager to join a newly established unit, the suspect traveled to Moscow in October.

Upon his return to North Macedonia a week later, he was interrogated at Skopje airport. During the questioning, he reportedly informed investigators that he intended to “sign a contract for work in the Russian army and be transported to a training camp where he would undergo preparation to fight in Ukraine.”

In addition, police conducted a raid at the suspect’s residence late Friday and confiscated various documents related to the case.

Since becoming a NATO member in 2020, North Macedonia has imposed sanctions against Russia. The previous left-leaning government had also supplied military aid to Ukraine.