President Vladimir Putin on Thursdaygranted United States hockey player Brennan Menell Russian citizenship, allowing him to play for the country's national team.Menell, 26, is a defenseman from Minnesota whosigned a one-year contract with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) team Dynamo Moscow in September 2022, becoming the third United States -born player to ever join the team.When Menell signed a three-yearextension in April, Dynamo Moscows athletic directortoldmedia that the American had expressed interest in obtaining Russian citizenship and playing for Russias national team.He really likes Russia and Moscow, so hes ready to stay for a long time, Alexei Sopin, Dynamos athletic director, told RIA Novosti at the time.Menell receiving Russian citizenship will be good PR for Russian sports, Sopin added.The Russian sports daily Sport-Expressreported that Menells paperwork for applying for Russian citizenship was submitted immediately after he arrived in the country earlier this month.The outlet said Menell who had spoken positively about his time in Russia and dismissed the United States Embassys advisory to leave the country is actively learning to speak Russian.Menells new citizenship will also free up Dynamo Moscow's slots for foreign players, which are limited to three per club according to KHL rules.