Ukrainian Units Deny Shooter’s Connection
KYIV — Despite reports and videos circulating on social media linking the suspected shooter of former US President Donald Trump to Ukraine’s International Legion and the Azov Brigade, both units have vehemently denied any association with him.
The International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine, also known as the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, is a group of foreign volunteers within the Ukrainian army, established in response to Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Following the identification of Ryan Wesley Routh as the suspect in the FBI’s investigation of a failed assassination attempt on Trump at a Florida golf course, rumors surfaced suggesting he had ties to these military units.
However, both the International Legion and the Azov Brigade have clarified that Routh has never been a member or had any link to their organizations.
The Azov Brigade, in particular, refuted claims of Routh’s involvement in a 2022 event supporting their Mariupol brigade, emphasizing that he was never affiliated with them.
Despite Routh’s public declarations of support for Ukraine, including his reported efforts to recruit foreign soldiers to aid in the conflict, it remains uncertain whether he was successful in bringing any volunteers to the country.
His July Facebook post indicated ongoing recruitment attempts, but with challenges in obtaining necessary authorization.
Euronews was unable to independently verify Routh’s statements, highlighting the complexity of the situation surrounding his alleged ties to Ukrainian military units. — Euronews
