Russia 'monitoring' as historian critical of Zionism vanishes upon landing in Israel

Russian-Israeli historian Artyom Kirpichenok, 51, reportedly vanished after arriving in Israel on August 2 from Yerevan to host a conference. Kirpichenok, who lived in Israel for nearly 15 years before returning to Russia and adopting a critical stance on Zionism, has not been heard from by loved ones or colleagues since his arrival. The Russian Embassy in Israel stated it is "monitoring the matter" and has submitted a request to Israeli authorities regarding reports of his detention. Russian journalist Daria Mitina claimed Kirpichenok is being held in prison by Israel's Shin Bet security service, stating, "Unfortunately, our worst fears have been confirmed."