By M10News Staff | Compiled by Dayo Ade Olusola | Source: Sky News| 15 July 2025
A United States citizen who aided Russian forces in targeting Ukrainian troops has been granted Russian citizenship, state media confirmed on Monday.
Daniel Martindale, who had previously admitted to passing intelligence to pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, appeared smiling on Russian state television while holding his newly issued Russian passport. The documents were reportedly handed to him following a covert extraction by Russian special forces.
“The belief that Russia is not just my home, but also my family — I am extremely glad that this is not only in my heart, but now also by law,” Martindale said during the televised segment.
Martindale, who had been residing in the Donetsk region, told Russian media last November that he first established contact with pro-Russian groups via Telegram. He claimed to have shared intelligence on Ukrainian military positions in the area, contributing to Russia’s battlefield operations.
Denis Pushilin, the Moscow-backed head of the Russian-occupied Donetsk region, credited Martindale with providing information that allegedly facilitated Russian forces in capturing the Ukrainian-held town of Kurakhove in December 2024.
“Daniel Martindale has long since proven with his loyalty and actions that he is one of us,” Pushilin said during the televised ceremony.
Martindale’s case highlights a rare instance of a Western national not only aligning with Russian military objectives but also receiving formal recognition and citizenship from Moscow.
Ukrainian authorities have yet to publicly comment on Martindale’s case, but the incident is likely to draw scrutiny from U.S. officials and intelligence agencies, particularly regarding national security implications and potential legal consequences for Americans aiding foreign militaries.
Under U.S. federal law, providing material support to designated foreign entities involved in armed conflict may be subject to prosecution. However, it remains unclear whether Martindale has renounced his U.S. citizenship or whether any charges have been brought against him.
This development comes amid ongoing efforts by Russia to strengthen control over occupied territories in eastern Ukraine and bolster support among foreign sympathizers.
