• An American man who moved to Russia seeking a better life now finds himself on the front lines of war, his family says. Promised a welding job and a fast-track to citizenship, Derek Hauffman instead alleges he was misled, undertrained, and deployed into combat without pay.

MOSCOW, RU (TDR) — An American citizen who renounced the U.S. in favor of Russia is now reportedly fighting on the front lines of the war, after what his wife describes as a bait-and-switch by the Russian military.

Derek Hauffman, originally from the United States, relocated to Russia with his wife and children in 2023, hoping for what he called freedom from “Western propaganda.” According to The Daily Beast, he voluntarily joined the Russian military in an attempt to expedite Russian citizenship for his family.

Promised Welding Job, Sent to Combat

Hauffman believed he would serve as a welder — a role he claims he was told would be non-combat. Instead, he was allegedly placed in active military service with little to no training, and in a language he barely understands.

“So, unfortunately, he feels like he’s being thrown to the wolves right now,” his wife, DeAnna, said in a now-deleted YouTube video. “He’s kind of having to lean on faith, and that’s what we’re all doing.”

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According to DeAnna, Derek received a single month of pay before communication became sporadic. She says the family has had no additional compensation or update on when — or if — he will be reassigned.

A Public Statement, Now a Cautionary Tale

Before joining the military, Derek gave an interview to Russian state media outlet RIA, defending his decision.

“If I risk myself for our new country, no one will say that I am not a part of it,” he said. “Unlike migrants in America who come there just like that… and want free handouts.”

His statement was widely circulated by Russian media, portraying Hauffman as an ideal example of Westerners embracing Russia. Now, his wife says they were used for propaganda.

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“We haven’t been paid, he’s on the front lines, and we don’t know what will happen next,” DeAnna reportedly said.

No Comment from Russian Officials

As of this report, Russian defense officials have made no public statement about Hauffman’s deployment, military status, or the family’s eligibility for citizenship. Legal experts say the lack of contractual clarity raises serious concerns.

“If there was a misrepresentation of the nature of his service, there could be grounds for international legal advocacy,” one immigration attorney told Law & Crime.

Whether Hauffman survives combat or ever receives the citizenship he sought remains unknown.

Should Americans serving in foreign militaries have legal protections if they were misled? Sound off in the comments.

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