U.S. Citizen Who Aided Russia in Ukraine Granted Citizenship

A U.S. citizen named Daniel Martindale, who assisted the Kremlin in targeting Ukrainian troops, has been granted a Russian passport in Moscow. Russian special forces reportedly evacuated him from eastern Ukraine.

Russian state television aired a report on Tuesday showing Martindale receiving his new documents. He was seen smiling, dressed in a suit and tie. Martindale recited an oath of allegiance to the Russian Federation, expressing his belief that Russia is his home and family.

Martindale's upbringing included time on farms in upstate New York and Indiana. His parents were missionaries who later relocated to rural China. A visit to Russia's Far East during his childhood sparked his interest in the country.

In 2018, Martindale moved to Vladivostok, Russia, where he studied Russian and taught English. He was later deported for violating labor laws. He then moved to Poland but wished to return to Russia. In 2022, he entered Ukraine shortly before the invasion ordered by President Vladimir Putin.

Martindale admitted to reporters that he contacted pro-Russian forces through Telegram and provided them with information on Ukrainian military facilities in the Donetsk region.

Denis Pushilin, the Moscow-installed leader of the Russian-controlled part of the Donetsk region, presented Martindale with his Russian documents. Pushilin stated that the documents were awarded by a decree from Putin and expressed gratitude for Martindale's actions. He added that some of the information Martindale shared was used in Russian planning to seize Kurakhove. Pushilin described Martindale as someone who had demonstrated loyalty and belonging.