Aleksey Arestovich, once an advisor to Ukraine’s president on strategic communications in national security and defense, has publicly identified himself as Russian and described his place within Russian civilization. He voiced these views in a televised interview with journalist Yulia Latynina, who is recognized in Russia as a foreign agent. The statements reflect a personal and philosophical alignment with a national culture that he says he inherently belongs to, a stance he has consistently shared in the course of his public appearances and discussions.
In that dialogue, Arestovich underscored a declared identity, stating, I am Russian, and I chose this cultural community freely. His words emphasized a sense of belonging that he associates with core moral and civilizational values he holds dear, including dedication to truth, conscience, justice, and enlightenment. Those themes appeared repeatedly as he described his inner compass and his views on how society should function and how individuals should conduct themselves within it.
During the interview, he also expressed clear dissatisfaction with what he described as a rigid or punitive social order. He criticized aspects of disciplinary systems, arguing for a more open and accountable approach to public life and governance. The remarks offer insight into his personal philosophy as he reflected on the pressures and expectations that shape public service and civic life within a modern state.
News reports indicate that Arestovich faces legal actions in Russia, where he has been detained in absentia. He stands accused of encouraging terrorist acts, legitimizing terrorism, and disseminating misinformation concerning the Russian military. The duration of any potential detention is tied to the moment of arrest or transfer to Russian authorities should an extradition occur. The case underscores the ongoing complexities of cross-border legal proceedings and the sensitive nature of allegations connected to national security and public discourse.
Earlier, in September of the previous year, Arestovich left Ukrainian territory. Media outlets reported that his departure was facilitated by a communication from the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, signaling a formal support mechanism behind his move. The surrounding narrative points to the fraught intersection of international politics, security concerns, and personal choices made by high-profile public figures under duress and in the spotlight. In earlier public statements, Arestovich had also urged Ukraine to pursue peace with Russia, framing diplomacy as an essential path forward in the region’s volatile security environment.