Russia Issues Arrest Warrant for Former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace

Russia’s Interior Ministry has reportedly issued an arrest warrant for former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace on charges of justifying terrorism. The warrant, first reported by the exiled outlet Mediazona in May 2026 but allegedly issued in January, stems from comments Wallace made at the Warsaw Security Forum in September 2025. During the forum, Wallace advocated for providing Ukraine with long-range capabilities to target Crimea and destroy the Kerch Bridge, describing the bridge as a monument to Vladimir Putin’s ego. Russian authorities previously labeled these remarks as incitement to terrorism. Following the comments, a Russian court ordered Wallace’s pre-trial detention in absentia. Wallace is now listed among nearly 200 Western politicians and civil servants on Russia’s wanted persons database. While law enforcement officials have not officially confirmed the warrant's current status, the move highlights escalating legal and diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Western leaders who support Ukraine. The Kremlin continues to view such statements as hostile acts, further isolating former Western officials from entering Russian territory.