Repression against anarchist internationalist Aleksey Makarov in Sweden

Our comrade Aleksey Makarov is facing repression by the Swedish state because he participated in the anarchist and internationalist struggle against Russian imperialism. We consider his situation deeply concerning and call for help to bring it to public attention.

Aleksey has lived in Sweden since 2011 as a refugee fleeing political repression in Russia. In June 2022, he travelled to Ukraine to join the armed struggle against the Russian imperialist invasion. He served alongside Dmitry ‘Leshiy’ Petrov in the 95th Air Assault Brigade as an assault trooper and machine gunner. After Petrov was killed in action near Bakhmut, Aleksey continued his fight in the resistance in the Sibir Battalion – a unit made for Russian citizens.

During his service, Aleksey was severely wounded twice. His second injury affected his head and arm, and he never fully regained mobility in the fingers of his right hand. He now lives with a physical disability. Alongside his military involvement, he also engaged in political work with his friend and comrade Vladislav ‘Pirate’ Yurchenko, who arrived in Ukraine in February 2024 and was killed in action on the Kinburn Spit on 9 August of the same year.

In the summer of 2024, while still undergoing medical treatment for his injuries, Aleksey returned to Sweden for recovery. His refugee travel document expired in December 2024, and he applied for a new one. He had also applied for Swedish citizenship in April 2023, but in August 2025, his citizenship application was rejected because, according to the Swedish Security Service (Säpo), he posed a threat to Sweden’s national security.

In June 2026, Aleksey was summoned to the Swedish Migration Agency, where he was informed of a classified Säpo assessment that he had engaged in activities abroad that allegedly posed a threat to security. The only country outside Sweden in which he had spent a significant period of time was Ukraine. Then, in early September 2026, after waiting nearly two years, he received a rejection for renewal of his refugee documents.

We see these decisions as a form of political repression directed against a person who took part in the resistance to Russian imperialism and who continues to hold anarchist political views. By restricting his freedom of movement, the Swedish authorities have effectively trapped him within Sweden, preventing him from travelling to meet comrades, participating in international political activities, and continuing his work in solidarity with the resistance in Ukraine.

There are also serious reasons to fear that this repression could escalate further, potentially resulting in the revocation of his refugee status, a deportation order, or other forms of administrative detention. Although deportation to Russia might not happen, Aleksey could still be left without valid travel documents or face prolonged detention and uncertainty.
We believe that this case must be viewed in a broader political context. The growing power of right-wing movements across Europe and globally are creating hostile conditions for anarchists, anti-authoritarians, refugees, and migrants.

Aleksey’s situation raises fundamental questions about the treatment of refugees, the right of people to resist imperialism and participate in international political struggles.

Aleksey is ready to give interviews and participate in public campaigns. We therefore call on the media, solidarity groups and human-rights organisations to share information about Aleksey’s case, and on all those concerned with migrant rights to demand that the Swedish authorities review their decisions. 

Solidarity with Aleksey Makarov!

Solidarity Collectives