Originally Posted by DWB

For transit, you are correct, but will address that below in more detail. But his passport was revoked while in Hong Kong, which rendered him illegal instantly, then Ecuador stepped up and gave him refugee travel documents so he could leave. That within itself is incredible.

Regarding Russia, he has to have a Russian Transit Visa. They either issued one based on his now revolved passport, or they issued one on his refugee status. Either way, this is what you need:

1. Your original passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date from Russia).
2. Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
3. Two passport-size photos signed on the back.
2. Visa to the country of destination, if required.
3. Tickets for the whole itinerary.

Which leads me back to my original point, one does not simply pick up the phone and demand refugee travel documents from Ecuador, or bypass Russian Transit Visa rules. That is almost unheard of. Which leads me to believe he is every bit what he says he is and knows every bit what he says he knows. Some low level NSA janitor would not get such treatment.