Accessibility links

Breaking News

U.S. Fugitive Reportedly Fighting With Russian Troops In Ukraine


The Agentsvo Telegram channel says Wilmer Puello-Mota, a former city councilor in Holyoke, Massachusetts, who is wanted at home for the alleged possession of child pornography, forgery, and obstruction of justice, might have joined Russian troops invading Ukraine. Earlier, pro-Kremlin websites reported that a U.S, citizen identified as Vil "is fighting alongside Russian troops as a volunteer and took part in the battle for Avdiyivka." U.S. media have also published similar unconfirmed reports. Agentsvo said the man was Puello-Mota, who was arrested in the United States in 2022 but fled after being released on bail. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG