Derek Huffman, an American man from Texas, moved his wife DeAnna and three children to Russia in 2025 for a “traditional values” project. However, he was recently sent to the front lines after just weeks of training as a welder.
Huffman joined the Russian military with promises of a non-combat role, but was instead deployed to the front lines. His wife DeAnna took to social media to plead her case, claiming that Derek was told he would not be training for two weeks and then sent straight to the front lines. Instead, he received an additional week of training before being reassigned to combat duty.
The Huffman family finances their life in Russia through online solicitations and YouTube videos, including appearances in Russian propaganda content. Derek explained that joining the Russian army was a way to gain citizenship for his family within a year. He also hoped to earn respect by defending the country.
DeAnna reported that Derek’s unit of foreigners is being trained hastily in Russian for frontline combat, leaving him feeling like he’s being “thrown to the wolves.” The family has solicited prayers and is petitioning public figures to have Derek reassigned. Additionally, DeAnna stated that Derek and his fellow soldiers were forced to donate 10,000 rubles for their own supplies.
This incident highlights concerns about American citizens in Russia, following the recent death of Michael Gloss, a 21-year-old son of a CIA executive who was killed while fighting for Moscow in Ukraine in April 2024.
Source: https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56286