MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Daniel Martindale, a US citizen who supported the Russian military from the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) for two years, has been presented with a Russian passport.

A female employee with the Russian Interior Ministry handed him the document at the DPR’s office in Moscow during a ceremony attended by DPR head Denis Pushilin, a TASS correspondent reported.

From 2022 to 2024, Martindale supplied information to Russia about the location of Ukrainian troops and other critical intelligence from a Kiev-controlled area, risking his life. He was evacuated from the combat zone last fall.

Pushilin called Martindale’s story unique as he thanked the American for his assistance in the special military operation on behalf of the people of Donbass.

In turn, the American shared the feeling of being reborn while receiving his Russian passport. "Ten years ago, long prior to today’s conflicts, I got convinced in my heart that Russia is not just my homeland, but also my family," he said. According to Martindale, he is now planning to work for the country’s benefit, and raise a family and children in Russia. He refused to comment on any specific plans and explained that the special military operation should be completed through joint efforts first. "I think everybody’s duty is to do as much as possible to win a victory. And after we have celebrated our second Victory Day, then we can take care of our own business," he said.