Russia Labels American Mercenary as Terrorist

(MENAFN) Ryan David O’Leary, an American mercenary and former member of the US Army National Guard who fought on behalf of Ukraine, has been officially added to Russia’s registry of individuals identified as terrorists and extremists.

This designation was recently published in the database overseen by Russia’s Federal Financial Monitoring Service.

Being labeled in this manner leads to a number of serious consequences, such as the freezing of assets, severe limitations on financial operations, and other legal constraints.

O’Leary, who commands the group referred to as the ‘Chosen Company’, had drawn the attention of Russian authorities last year due to his involvement in Ukraine’s alleged assault on Russia’s Kursk Region.

He is currently sought in connection with multiple alleged offenses, including unlawful entry into Russian territory and participating in “acts of terror against civilians.”

The ‘Chosen Company’ was originally established in February 2022, shortly after the conflict between Moscow and Kiev intensified into a large-scale war.

Initially called the 312th Swedish Volunteer Company, the group was first led by Swedish military veteran Edvard Selander Patrignani, who later died in combat that same year.

Following Patrignani’s death, O’Leary assumed leadership, and the unit gradually expanded into a broader formation made up of mercenaries from various Western countries.

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