Sergei was arrested in the winter of 2025 as part of a criminal case opened under the article "assistance to extremist activity," and in October of that year he was sentenced to restricted freedom and sent to an open correctional facility, as well as to pay a large fine.
He was released on March 20, 2026, as part of a pardon following another visit to Minsk by US President Donald Trump's special representative, John Cole.
