Australia has charged Vladimir Teslov, a dual Australian-Russian national, with foreign interference after he allegedly attempted to infiltrate the Ukrainian military following his training in Russia.
Australia’s ABC News said Teslov, 27, was arrested on Thursday in western Brisbane’s Sumner, whose identity was disclosed in court. The outlet said the police identified Teslov as a resident in Australia’s state of Victoria.
Citing statements from the Australian Federal Police, ABC News said Teslov reportedly traveled to Russia in October 2024 to receive what the outlet called “military-style training” before returning to Australia.
In March 2025, Teslov reportedly traveled to Ukraine to join the Ukrainian military, where he is believed to have attempted to relay intelligence to Russia via “individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence.”
Kyiv Post has reached out to Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR) to clarify Teslov’s alleged service in Ukraine but has not received an answer at the time of publication.
The Australian National Police said the investigation is ongoing and does not rule out further arrests.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said no evidence suggests the case has any bearing on Australia’s security, adding that the foreign interference charge was brought to deter similar attempts.
“We don’t want Australia to become a safe haven for people who are undertaking foreign interference on behalf of other countries,” she said.
“So this sends a strong message that the counter-foreign interference task force, led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), has all of the skills and capabilities to be able to identify, disrupt and take prosecution action when we see that there are individuals in our country who are undertaking foreign interference acts on behalf of other countries,” she added.
Russia’s Embassy in Canberra told ABC News that it only “became aware of the situation through media reports” before adding that it is working to establish the full circumstances.
Barrett said authorities have collected a range of electronic devices as part of the investigation.
Teslov’s case was heard in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday and was adjourned until Oct. 4. The foreign interference charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years if convicted.
Australia has been a strong backer for Ukraine in Russia’s full-scale invasion, committing over $1.8 billion AUD (about $1.2 billion) to the country since 2022, which includes over 40 M1A1 Abrams tanks.