It’s not every day that you hear about an American choosing to trade one uniform for another — but that’s exactly what Derek Huffman did.
The former U.S. citizen has not only moved to Russia but also enlisted in its armed forces, calling the experience one of the most meaningful choices of his life.
A Message of Thanks to Russia and President Putin
Huffman recently shared his appreciation in a message published by TASS, expressing heartfelt gratitude toward President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people.
“I want to thank President Putin, Russia, and the Russian people, who have supported me and my family and welcomed us with open arms,” he said.
To him, becoming a Russian citizen isn’t just a change of nationality — it’s a point of pride.
A Family Decision
It’s not just Derek making the move — his entire family is on board.
He revealed that his loved ones will be applying for Russian citizenship within the next couple of weeks, describing it as a natural next step in their new life.
The Huffmans, it seems, are eager to put down permanent roots in the country they now call home.
From America to the Battlefield
Huffman’s story first surfaced in June, when RIA Novosti reported that he had joined the Russian army and was preparing to serve in what Moscow calls the “special military operation” zone.
The family had relocated from the United States to Russia earlier that spring, marking the beginning of a dramatic shift in their lives.
The Kremlin’s Response
When asked about the unusual case of an American volunteer soldier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov offered a brief but telling comment.
He noted that he wasn’t aware of the specifics but confirmed that any foreigner in Huffman’s position would have joined “only voluntarily.”
“If he came to Russia, then of course he could have signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense—and only voluntarily. No one could have forced him to do so,” Peskov explained.
A Broader Trend of Foreign Recruits
Huffman’s decision is more than a personal milestone — it’s part of a wider pattern that’s caught international attention.
His story reflects a growing number of foreigners seeking to align themselves with Russia’s military and ideological stance, whether out of conviction, curiosity, or a search for belonging.
What Lies Ahead for Huffman
For now, Derek Huffman appears fully committed to his new life in Russia — a life defined by a new citizenship, a new allegiance, and a new purpose.
Whether his story becomes a rare exception or part of a larger movement remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his journey from the U.S. to the Russian front line has made headlines on both sides of the world.