American Daniel Martindale, who assisted Russia in capturing the city of Kurakhove in the Donetsk region, today received a Russian passport by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The passport, along with a medal, was presented to Martindale in Moscow by the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, RIA Novosti reports.
“I have the honor today to personally present a passport of the Russian Federation to Daniel Martindale, who has long proven by his loyalty and actions that he is one of us. For us, this is a sign of respect and gratitude for what Daniel has done,” Pushilin said.
Video of Daniel Martindale, an American man who allegedly spied on Ukrainian infrastructure in the Donetsk region for Russian intelligence for 2 years before being extracted last year, receiving Russian citizenship today (apparently). He thanked Putin. pic.twitter.com/lHQShwIK9e
— Mike Eckel (@Mike_Eckel) July 15, 2025
Key Role in Kurakhove Capture
According to Pushilin, information obtained from the American played a crucial role in the capture of Kurakhove on January 6, 2024.
Martindale received his passport after reciting the Russian oath. He had been in Ukraine since February 11, 2022, and for two years, he transmitted coordinates of Ukrainian military facilities to Russia. This information was repeatedly used to destroy equipment and personnel of the Ukrainian armed forces.
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Source: Tanjug, Foto: Reuters