The ceremony took place at the representative office of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) in Moscow.
"I have the honor today to personally present the passport of a citizen of Russia to Daniel Martindale, who has long proven through his loyalty and actions that he is one of us. For us, this is a sign of respect and gratitude for what Daniel has done," DPR head Denis Pushilin said during his speech at the event.
The passport was presented to Martindale by a decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin "as the highest form of state gratitude, a sign of special trust and respect," the official said.
After receiving the Russian passport, Martindale thanked Russia and president Putin.