A Texas father of three who moved his family to Russia to escape what he called “liberal indoctrination” and LGBT gender ideology in American schools is now being deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine, despite being promised a non-combat role.
Derek Huffman, 46, joined the Russian military in hopes of earning citizenship under Moscow’s new “Shared Values” visa initiative—a program designed to attract foreigners who align with conservative Christian principles.
But now, Huffman’s family says the father has been betrayed by the Russian system he trusted.
“He feels like he is being thrown to the wolves,” his wife DeAnna Huffman told media.“He was told he would not be sent to the front. But they’re pushing him closer and closer.”
DeAnna and Derek Huffman and their 2 kids moved from Texas to Russia in 2022. They were motivated by “concerns over LGBT indoctrination in American schools, unhealthy food, and a desire for a safer environment that is aligned with our Christian values”.
Derek decided to join… pic.twitter.com/VCJv3IfisR
— usurp tha chef (@usurpthachef) June 23, 2025
“We Wanted Christian Values”
The Huffmans left Texas in 2022, citing rising concerns over:
-
LGBT curriculum in U.S. public schools
-
Unhealthy food
-
Rampant crime
-
A desire for a faith-based, traditional environment to raise their children
They settled near Moscow in a small village founded by American expat blogger Tim Kirby, which has marketed itself as a haven for Westerners fleeing cultural decay.
Reality Hits Hard
Huffman says he was promised a support role—possibly as a mechanic or war correspondent—but after just two weeks of rushed training, he’s now being sent directly into combat.
Worse, Huffman and other foreign recruits were reportedly told to pay 10,000 rubles out of pocket to cover their own gear. The promised salary and sign-up bonus never came through, his wife says.
“Aside from the first month, we’ve received nothing,” DeAnna confirmed.
A Father’s Risk, a Family’s Plea
In a video posted online last month, Huffman shared his motivation for enlisting:
“I don’t want anyone in Russia saying we don’t belong here,” he said.“If I risk my life defending this country—our new country—I’ll have earned our place.”
The Huffmans have relied on crowdfunding to survive since arriving, but now faith and uncertainty are all that remain as the father of three prepares to face war.
