The Suspected Gunman in Ukraine Apparently Wanted to Die and Fight

When Mr. Routh spoke with The New York Times over the phone in 2023 while he was in Washington, he exuded the confidence of an experienced diplomat who believed his plans to back Ukraine’s military effort would be successful. However, it seemed that he was not very patient with anybody who stood in his way. In a Facebook message he shared with The New York Times, Mr. Routh stated that an American foreign fighter “needs to be shot” because it appeared like the fighter was talking down to him.

In the interview, Mr. Routh stated that he was in Washington to help advance greater support for Ukraine by meeting “for two hours” with the Helsinki Commission, the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Members of Congress oversee the commission, and congressional assistants work for them. It has been outspoken in its support of Ukraine and has sway over issues of democracy and security.

Additionally, Mr. Routh stated that he was looking to recruit Afghan soldiers who had left the Taliban for Ukraine. He declared his intention to transfer them from Pakistan and Iran to Ukraine, sometimes in violation of the law. Dozens had shown interest, he added.

Since Pakistan is such a corrupt nation, “we can probably purchase some passports through Pakistan,” he stated.

Although it’s unclear if Mr. Routh followed through, a former Afghan soldier claimed he had been approached and was willing to fight if it meant getting out of Iran, where he was residing without authorization.