An American who spied on Ukrainian forces and reported to Moscow after the start of the war in 2022 has been granted a Russian passport, pro-Russian authorities in eastern Ukraine announced today.
Daniel Martindale was in Ukraine in February 2022 and provided Moscow with strategic information, such as force positions and the state of infrastructure, until his own evacuation in 2024, Russian agencies reported.
"By decree of our President Vladimir Putin, Daniel Martindale has been issued a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation," the pro-Russian leader of the Donetsk region in Ukraine, Denis Pushilin, wrote on Instagram today.
He added that Martindale "has proven through his loyalty and actions that he is one of them."
Pushilin posted a video on Instagram alongside the message showing Martindale, in a suit and tie, in the presence of Russian officials.
"He helped our guys, passed on important information to our intelligence services," Pushilin said.
The ceremony was held in Moscow, according to a report by the TASS agency.
"I thank Russia for accepting me," Martindale said in Russian with a smile, holding up his new passport and calling his adopted country family.
According to Pushilin, Martindale was evacuated from Ukraine in a complex special operation, when it was assessed that his life was in danger.
Russian state media reported in November 2024 that Martindale had been evacuated to Russia and had begun the process of applying for Russian citizenship.
Russia has annexed the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, but controls only part of the territory.
Bonus video:
