Alleged Trump Plotter's Controversial Past in Ukraine's Foreign Legion

Ryan Routh, now suspected of plotting against former U.S. President Donald Trump, previously attempted to join Ukraine's International Legion, a unit established by President Volodymyr Zelensky to recruit foreign fighters. Despite being rejected, Routh persisted in presenting himself as a recruiter, causing significant problems for the organization.

The International Legion, formed on February 27, 2022, initially attracted approximately 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries. However, it faced numerous challenges, including vetting suitable candidates and managing those with questionable motives or lack of experience.

A Ukrainian military source, speaking anonymously, stated, "Routh was never in Ukraine in any official capacity. He simply decided he was going to come here and save the day himself." The source added that Routh's activities were "bizarre and alarming," highlighting the difficulties faced by the legion in managing unauthorized individuals.

Routh's social media presence and recruitment attempts, particularly targeting individuals from Afghanistan and Syria, caused security concerns for the legion. A former legion official described him as "eccentric" and "full of s---," emphasizing the organization's efforts to distance itself from such individuals.

Despite being told to cease his activities, Routh continued to operate on the fringes of the legion. He erected a makeshift memorial in Kyiv's Independence Square and distributed unofficial flyers offering payment to potential fighters. These actions tested the patience of Ukrainian authorities, who eventually ordered the removal of his memorial.

"He was trying to get involved in internal matters as well. He sent me messages saying: 'Oh, guys in this unit are not happy.' And I said: 'Listen, they have a chain of command... there is a way to report things.' I don't think he was ever completely stable."

Interestingly, Routh's "Flags of the Fallen" garden, started after the removal of his memorial, has become a landmark in Independence Square. This presents a dilemma for Kyiv authorities, who may not wish to preserve a monument initiated by an individual now linked to an alleged assassination plot against Trump.

The legion's experiences with Routh and similar individuals highlight the broader challenges faced by Ukraine in managing foreign volunteers. While the legion has played a crucial role in boosting Ukrainian morale and participating in key battles, it has also grappled with issues such as language barriers, equipment shortages, and integrating individuals with varying levels of military experience.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the International Legion remains a subject of debate among military experts regarding the effectiveness of foreign fighters in the ongoing war.