Russian authorities announced they granted citizenship to American national Daniel Martindale, who worked as a spy for Moscow in Ukraine following the launch of Russia’s military operation in February 2022.

According to Russian news agency TASS, Martindale traveled to Ukraine in early 2022 and spent two years transmitting strategic intelligence on Ukrainian military positions and infrastructure to Russian forces. He was reportedly extracted in 2024 through a “complex special operation” due to threats to his life.

Denis Pushilin, commander of Russian forces in Donetsk, said Martindale was awarded Russian citizenship by presidential decree and praised him for his long-standing loyalty and contributions to Russian intelligence. A video shared online showed Martindale receiving his passport in a formal ceremony.

Speaking in Russian, Martindale expressed gratitude: “Thank you, Russia, for accepting me… this is my family.”