MOSCOW, November 6. /TASS/. US political analyst John Varoli told TASS that he is appealing to Russian President Vladimir Putin to grant him Russian citizenship.

"We have not officially started the citizenship application process yet. At this stage, we are putting together the necessary documents. But I would like to appeal to the Russian president and Russian officials for assistance with the process and ask them to make sure it goes smoothly. If possible, I would also ask them to expedite my citizenship application, because I have openly supported Russia for more than ten years," he said.

Varoli noted that he has been working closely with Russian media outlets for more than ten years and that this is precisely why he is being persecuted in the United States.

In 2019, Varoli publicly stated that the people of Donbass had the right to determine their own future. The political analyst said he faced legal proceedings in the United States and risked up to 20 years in prison, following his statements in support of Russia. Varoli then asked Russia for asylum and has been living here since February 2025.

From 1997 to 2010, John Varoli worked in Russia while contributing articles to Bloomberg and Reuters news agencies as well as The New York Times.