An American, who had spied on Ukrainian troops on behalf of Moscow after the start of the offensive in 2022, received a Russian passport, the prorussian authorities in eastern Ukraine announced on Tuesday.
Daniel Martindale went to Ukraine in February 2022 and provided strategic information in Moscow for two years, such as the positioning of troops and infrastructure, until his exfiltration in 2024, according to Russian state agencies.
“By decree of our president Vladimir Putin, a passport of citizen of the Russian Federation was given to Daniel Martindale,” said Instagram Denis Pouchiline, the Russian occupation of the Donetsk region, Ukraine on Tuesday.
“He has long proven by his loyalty and acts that he is one of ours,” he added in his message, accompanied by a video in which we see Daniel Martindale, in a costume-tie and his hair carefully smoothed, in the presence of Russian officials.
He “helped our guys, transmitted important information to our special services,” praised Denis Pouchiline.
The ceremony took place in Moscow, according to the Russian state agency TASS.
“I thank Russia for accepting me,” said a smiling Martindale, a new passport in hand, qualifying his “family” country.
According to Mr. Pouchiline, Daniel Martindale was evacuated from Ukraine during a “complex special operation” when his life was considered “in danger”.
The Russian state media reported in November 2024 that Mr. Martindale had been evacuated to Russia and had started the process to request Russian citizenship.
Russia claims the annexation of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, but only controls part of the territory.