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Clarification on Suspected Shooter’s Alleged Ties to Ukraine’s International Legion

Explore the complexities surrounding the suspected shooter’s alleged connections to Ukraine’s International Legion. This article delves into the implications, facts, and ongoing investigations, shedding light on this controversial topic.

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The individual suspected of attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump is not affiliated with Ukraine’s International Legion, according to a statement from the volunteer military unit. This clarification follows various media reports suggesting that the suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, traveled to Ukraine to both fight and recruit for the Legion.

“We would like to clarify that Ryan Wesley Routh has never been part of, associated with, or linked to the International Legion in any capacity,” the unit stated to Euronews. “Any claims or suggestions indicating otherwise are entirely inaccurate.”

The International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine, often referred to as the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, is a segment of the Ukrainian armed forces that includes foreign volunteers. This unit was formed in February 2022, shortly after Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Routh became a person of interest after the FBI labeled him as a suspect in a thwarted assassination attempt on Trump at a golf course in Florida. Following this identification, numerous media outlets highlighted Routh’s previous public declarations of support for Ukraine, which may have contributed to the confusion surrounding his affiliations.

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  • FBI: Donald Trump targeted in apparent assassination attempt at Mar-a-Lago
  • Trump shooting: What we know about the attack and the suspect

In a 2023 interview with the New York Times, Routh expressed his desire to assist Ukraine in its efforts against Russian aggression. He claimed that he had traveled to Ukraine shortly after the war’s onset to recruit Afghan soldiers who had escaped the Taliban regime. According to Routh, numerous soldiers had shown interest in joining the fight, and he was attempting to facilitate their movement from Pakistan and Iran to Ukraine.

However, it remains uncertain whether Routh succeeded in bringing any foreign volunteers to Ukraine in light of these statements. A Facebook post from July indicates that he was still actively seeking to recruit soldiers for the Ukrainian cause but faced challenges in obtaining the necessary approvals. In his social media update, he remarked, “Soldiers, please do not call me. We are still trying to get Ukraine to accept Afghan soldiers and hope to have some answers in the coming months… please have patience.”

As of now, Euronews has not been able to independently verify any of Routh’s claims regarding his activities or intentions.

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