Russian friend of Pic Musar's: My sin is that I'm Natasha's friend

A Russian woman with Slovenian citizenship has admitted she feels guilty for being Natasha Pirc Musar’s friend, following allegations that she was collaborating with Russia's intelligence services. The woman, known as Ruska, has been under scrutiny recently after receiving multiple hints about her alleged ties to the Russian intelligence agency. She has denied these claims, stating that she is not who others claim her to be, though some may never believe her. Ruska, who has lived in Slovenia for years, has faced several suggestions regarding her potential involvement with Russian intelligence. She has strongly rejected these accusations, insisting that she is not part of such activities. “I can say seven times that I am not what they say I am,” she told Mladina. However, she acknowledges that she is not the main target of these suspicions. “I am just the weapon they use against Natasha,” she added, expressing deep remorse over her friendship with Natasha. She further explained that she knows nothing about classified documents, secret messages, or political strategies. “Natasha is very careful about these things, she separates friendship from service.” This distinction highlights the complexity of their relationship, which has been shaped by both personal and professional connections. Born in Krasnoyarsk, central Siberia, Ruska studied economics and worked in trade during the early 1990s. It was during this time that she met Roman Jeglič, who worked as a supervisor in the company. They became a couple, but she claims she had no knowledge of his work with the police in Ljubljana. “He once told me he was the head of the police in Ljubljana, and that was how our story ended,” she recalled. After several years, Ruska received an offer from the company Svea to join its workforce. The firm needed someone to help establish business relations between the region of Zasavje and Russia. “For some time, I managed business contacts between Zasavje and Russia,” she explained. Her life took a dramatic turn in 2007 when she caused a traffic accident resulting in the death of a motorcyclist. During the period awaiting the outcome of her legal case, Ruska attempted to rebuild her life. She started playing bowling, a sport she had already practiced in Russia. It was there that she met Natasha Pirc Musar, who emotionally supported her and even loaned her money for food. Natasha also advised her on legal matters, helping her navigate issues related to her foreign status. Roman Jeglič remained in Russia but continued visiting Slovenia until 2010, providing financial support. After her release from prison, she briefly worked for Natasha’s family business, eventually securing a position as a housekeeper in one of Ljubljana’s hotels. When she obtained her personal work permit, she initially worked for another company that manufactured elevators and aimed to sell them in Russia. Natasha’s family also helped her with housing. In 2012, they sought a long-term tenant for an apartment and offered her the option to start paying rent immediately upon becoming financially capable. She covered all the costs of the apartment throughout the time, while the rent was paid according to a long-term agreement starting in 2015, with the property owned by Ruska Dača, a legal entity that became the owner of the apartment. Currently, Ruska works as an accountant for the Free Trade Unions Association. She continues to serve as a procurator at Ruska Dača. She is also involved in the NET PRO SHOP company, which sells bowling equipment. A Slovenian citizen by choice, she became one because the Slovenian Bowling Federation required a female athlete for international competitions. She won five medals at the Mediterranean Bowling Championship and represented Slovenia twice at the European Championships. When asked about security checks, Ruska stated, “The owl confirmed that they checked me and found no special features.” She last visited Russia in 2024 and maintains contact with friends, former classmates, and her family.