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Former U.S. Airman Joins Russian Military, Featured in Propaganda Video
Explore the controversial story of a former U.S. Airman who has joined the Russian military and appeared in a propaganda video. Discover the motivations behind his decision and the implications for international relations.
Former U.S. Airman Featured in Russian Propaganda Video
A former U.S. Air Force airman, who fled to Russia after being charged with child pornography offenses, has surfaced in a Russian propaganda video where he articulates his rationale for joining the military forces of his new country. In the video, Wilmer Puello-Mota, now 28, is seen clad in military fatigues adorned with a Russian flag patch on his chest and wearing a combat helmet.
Throughout the video, Mr. Puello-Mota recounts his prior service in the U.S. Air Force and the Massachusetts Air National Guard. As the video progresses, he makes a declaration intended to resonate with the audience in Russia, proclaiming, “Victory will be ours,” in Russian.
Despite the controversial nature of his decision, Mr. Puello-Mota defends his actions, stating, “I don’t consider myself a traitor.” He further elaborates that “The United States and Russia aren’t at war,” suggesting that his allegiance has shifted without the stigma of treachery.
Now operating under the call sign “Boston,” Mr. Puello-Mota has taken on the role of a reconnaissance drone operator within the Russian Armed Forces. He claims to have engaged in combat in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine.
In the video, which was shared on the Telegram social media platform by the Russian Defense Ministry, Mr. Puello-Mota introduces himself to the viewers, stating, “I’m Will; I’m from Massachusetts.” This personal touch adds a layer of familiarity and humanizes his narrative.
- Mr. Puello-Mota served in the U.S. Air Force for six years.
- He had one deployment to Afghanistan during his service.
- He joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard in June 2019.
- He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant in the Air Force.
- He was a member of the 104th Fighter Wing security forces.
In a poignant moment, the video features Mr. Puello-Mota in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2015, captured in an image that reflects his earlier military career.
Credit: Cierra Presentado/U.S. Air Force