Former Defense Minister of the Donetsk People's Republic, Igor Girkin (commonly known as Strelkov), has been detained by the Investigative Committee on grounds of alleged extremism, Sputnik reported citing Strelkov's lawyer. 

"He is really detained. I have not yet seen the documents, we assume that under Article 282 [of the criminal code Russia on extremism]," the lawyer said.

As of now,  Strelkov's lawyer has not been presented with any official documentation regarding the reasons for the client's detention and is working to secure access to him.

⚡️The first footage of Igor Strelkov after his arrest. pic.twitter.com/MEuvCWxckc

— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) July 21, 2023

Earlier today, Strelkov's wife revealed on Telegram that investigators took him "away in an unknown direction." She indicated that the case against Strelkov might have been initiated under the criminal code's article concerning extremism.

Igor Girkin, who previously held the position of Defense Minister in the Donetsk People's Republic, played a prominent role in the anti-Euromadian insurgency in eastern Ukraine back in 2014.

Strelkov is a former Russian Army and FSB Officer. He reportedly played a key role in the Russian incorporation of Crimea.

Over the years, Girkin has evolved into one of the most vocal critics of President Putin. Strelkov has urged Putin to step down and hand over power to a successor, expressing concerns about the future of the country under Putin's continued leadership and "soft approach" to the war in Ukraine.

Strelkov's detainment comes after the armed mutiny by Wagner PMC, despite expressing his support to the Russian leadership against the coup.