On February 15, 2024, a "counter-terrorism operation" was declared in the Lelchitsy District of the Gomel Region on the border with Ukraine. Residents were asked to "remain calm and comply with the orders of law enforcement officers." The KGB claimed to have detained members of a "sabotage and reconnaissance group" that included citizens of Ukraine and Belarus. The exact number of detainees has not been reported.
After his arrest, Sergei was diagnosed with cancer in pretrial detention.









