KYIV, Ukraine – A former Ukrainian official has dismissed claims that Ryan Wesley Routh, the man suspected of attempting to orchestrate a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, had any formal ties to Ukraine’s International Legion, according to a report by The Telegraph.
Routh, who is currently in custody, reportedly travelled to Ukraine shortly after Russia’s invasion in February 2022 but was never an official member of the Legion.
In a statement, a former official from the International Legion—Ukraine’s military force comprised of foreign volunteers—told The Telegraph that Routh had gained notoriety for making grand promises that never came to fruition.
According to the source, Routh allegedly pledged to bring “hundreds of recruits from Afghanistan and Syria,” a claim that was never fulfilled.
The former official described Routh as “eccentric” and stated that members of the Legion “could smell a mile away that he was full of s–t.”
They went on to emphasise that Routh had been “called out a number of times” by people within the Legion, signalling early doubts about his credibility and intentions.
Ukrainian Military Statement
The International Legion has since issued an official statement distancing itself from Routh, stressing that he had “never been part of, associated with, or linked” to the organisation “in any capacity.”
This statement was made in response to speculation that Routh, who allegedly planned the second attempt on Trump’s life, may have been affiliated with a Ukrainian group organising foreign volunteer fighters.
Routh’s involvement in the recent assassination attempt on Trump is still under investigation, with law enforcement continuing to piece together his motivations and possible connections.
This follows an earlier failed attempt, making this the second time in two months that Routh has allegedly targeted the former president.
Troubling Background
Authorities have been exploring Routh’s activities in the months leading up to his arrest, including his travel to Ukraine during the early days of Russia’s invasion.
However, despite his presence in the region, there appears to be no substantial link between Routh and the Ukrainian military or its volunteer forces.
As investigators look into Routh’s past, questions remain about his involvement in various international circles, as well as any affiliations or networks that may have contributed to his alleged assassination plans.
The attempted assassination of a former U.S. president has raised concerns about security and the increasing threat of political violence.
While the full scope of Routh’s intentions is not yet clear, officials are working to determine whether he acted alone or was part of a larger conspiracy.
