A Russian singer seen here burning his passport in protest against Moscow’s war in Ukraine has been arrested for discrediting the Russian Armed Forces.

Singer Eduard Charlotte, 25, was reportedly handcuffed and detained at Pulkovo Airport upon his arrival in St Petersburg, Russia, from Yerevan, Armenia, on 22nd November.

In the footage, Charlotte can be seen burning his Russian passport in protest against the war in Ukraine, reportedly in June.

The singer then pleaded with Ukrainian authorities, expressing his desire to visit Urkraine’s capital city, Kyiv, for concerts, according to local media reports.

He also reportedly affixed his military identity card and a photograph of Patriarch Kirill, a Russian Orthodox bishop to a crucifix in July, according to reports.

Ekaterina Mizulina, the head of Russia’s Safe Internet League, brought the attention of law enforcement agencies to the footage where Charlotte burned his Russian passport on 14th November.

Charlotte shared online that he was returning to Russia a day after being reported to law enforcement agencies on 15th November.

He said: “The purpose of my visit is to fight for Russian-speaking culture, protect the great status of ‘Creator,’ and also record a new album called ‘Reincarnation’.”

Charlotte was reportedly arrested, handcuffed, and taken to the Ministry of Internal Affairs department on the night of 22nd November, according to local media.

Administrative protocols were then drawn up against him by the ministry, according to local media.

First for “Intentional damage to a document certifying the identity of a citizen” with a possible fine of up to RUB 300 (GBP 3).

Second for “Public actions aimed at discrediting the use of the Russian Armed Forces” with a fine of up to RUB 50,000 (GBP 453).

Third for “Petty hooliganism” with a punishment of up to 15 days in detention.

In custody, Charlotte reportedly apologised for burning his passport and expressed regret, stating that he would not do it again.