US journalist requests Russian citizenship in letter to Putin

An American investigative journalist and senior member of the Communist Party USA has said he has formally requested Russian citizenship, addressing a personal appeal to President Vladimir Putin.

Christopher Helali, who serves as the party’s international secretary, said he submitted a four-page letter outlining his request, speaking to TASS on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

“Yes, I expressed my desire to obtain Russian citizenship. I wrote a four-page letter to President Putin in which I outlined my aspiration to become a citizen of the Russian Federation, described my contribution to Russia, my work in Donbas, my solidarity with the [International] Russophile movement and many other things, starting from my early activities in support of Russian-American friendship and the importance of studying Russian history, culture, language, traditions,” Helali said.

He added that he hoped to receive a response within the next few months.

“I very much appreciate everything that Russia has done for me,” he said.

Helali previously told TASS in March that he had signed a contract and planned to travel to the zone of what Russia refers to as its “special military operation.”

In addition to his political role, Helali is affiliated as an expert with the Global Fact-checking Network (GFCN).

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Helali made the remarks, is being held from June 3 to June 6.

By Tamilla Hasanova