From National Security Threat to Ukrainian Soldier: The Controversial Case of Viktor Gaziev

Swedish National Television (SVT) reported that Viktor Gaziev, a radical Islamist and national security threat to Sweden who was on Interpol’s wanted list, has been fighting in the Ukrainian army against Russia since 2023…

Fighting alongside Zelensky after going missing

Swedish National Television (SVT) revealed on October 16 that Viktor Gaziev, a radical Chechen Islamist in Sweden who was recognized as a national security threat in 2019 and was placed on a list of six dangerous individuals in Sweden, is now in Ukraine.
Gaziev, whose residency in Sweden was revoked due to security-related actions (but was not deported for fear of execution in Chechnya), was required to report to police daily. He suddenly went missing in 2023.
According to images aired by SVT, Gaziev has been fighting with Ukraine’s army against Russia since then and has received a medal for his services. The network also aired footage of his meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine.

Claims of pressure and cooperation from Swedish intelligence services

Gaziev claims that the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) pressured him to engage in this work. He stated that security agents approached his ex-wife and promised that if she cooperated, they would prevent her from receiving Swedish citizenship.
SVT also claimed that Gaziev received threats in addition to the promises made. After his agreement, a person with a Swedish soldier ID, whom Gaziev believes is a member of the military intelligence service (MUST), provided him with necessary logistical guidance via messaging platforms, including the time to buy tickets to Poland and the border point for transfer.

Denial by officials and confirmation from a Ukrainian commander

Following the release of this report, there were conflicting reactions from Swedish officials:
SAPO denied the allegations. Fredrik Hallström, head of SAPO operations, stated: “We do not persuade anyone to go anywhere; especially if it is a war-torn country like Ukraine.”
Gunnar Strömmer, Sweden’s Minister of Justice, also rejected the allegations, asserting that threats and coercion are inconsistent with our legal framework, and MUST refrained from commenting.
However, Murad Zumzu, one of the Ukrainian commanders, confirmed the facilitation claim and stated that he had a phone conversation with a person mentioned in Gaziev’s chats. He emphasized: “This person was the main coordinator for Gaziev’s transfer to us and arranged to meet with him at a specific point on the Poland-Ukraine border. I received him from a group of Swedish and Polish agents.”
This revelation raises serious questions about how national security threats are managed and the use of radical Islamists in foreign wars by the Swedish government.