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Russia detains French man who entered country on a paddle board

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 28, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -A French citizen who illegally crossed the Russian border on a paddle board from Estonia has been placed in detention for two months, a court in Russia's northern Leningrad region

French National Detained After Crossing Russian Border on Paddle Board

MOSCOW (Reuters) -A French citizen who illegally crossed the Russian border on a paddle board from Estonia has been placed in detention for two months, a court in Russia's northern Leningrad region said.

The man, who paddled from Estonia, was detained on the shore of the Narva reservoir - through which the Russian-Estonian border runs - by Federal Security Service (FSB) border guards.

According to the Leningrad court, the French man said he wanted to settle in Russia. The court said the man said he had previously undergone psychiatric treatment.

Reuters was unable to contact the man or his lawyers.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Jamie Freed)

Key Takeaways

  • A French citizen crossed into Russia from Estonia on a paddle board.
  • The man was detained by Russian FSB border guards.
  • He expressed a desire to settle in Russia.
  • The court noted his previous psychiatric treatment.
  • Reuters couldn't reach the man or his lawyers for comment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the French citizen who crossed into Russia?
The French citizen was detained for two months after illegally crossing the Russian border on a paddle board from Estonia.
Where was the French man detained?
He was detained on the shore of the Narva reservoir, which is located along the Russian-Estonian border.
What did the French man say about his intentions?
He stated that he wanted to settle in Russia and mentioned that he had previously undergone psychiatric treatment.
Which agency detained the French citizen?
The Federal Security Service (FSB) border guards detained the man.
Was there any communication with the detained man or his lawyers?
Reuters was unable to contact the man or his lawyers for further information.

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