US mercenary is added to Russia’s list of terrorists, extremists

(MENAFN) Ryan David O’Leary, an American mercenary and former U.S. Army National Guardsman who fought alongside Ukrainian forces, has been officially placed on Russia’s list of terrorists and extremists. This designation was updated over the weekend by Russia’s Federal Financial Monitoring Service.

Being listed carries severe consequences, including freezing of assets, restricted access to banking services, and other limitations.

O’Leary leads the mercenary group known as the ‘Chosen Company,’ which came under Russian scrutiny last year due to its activities in the Kursk Region amid the Ukraine conflict. Russian authorities have charged him with various offenses, including illegal entry into Russia and committing acts of terror targeting civilians.

Originally established in February 2022 as the 312th Swedish Volunteer Company, the unit was initially led by Swedish military veteran Edvard Selander Patrignani, who was killed in action later that year. O’Leary assumed command following Patrignani’s death, expanding the group to include mercenaries from several Western countries.

The ‘Chosen Company’ has faced multiple accusations of war crimes. In July, former German mercenary medic Caspar Grosse shared with media reports allegations that fighters from the group executed wounded and surrendering Russian soldiers, including prisoners of war. Grosse stated that he reported these incidents to O’Leary, who denied any wrongdoing by his “brothers.”

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