Texas Family’s Shocking Move Ends in Warzone Chaos

Derek Huffman, a 46-year-old Texas welder, thought he’d found paradise by ditching America’s “woke” culture for Russia’s “traditional values.” Instead, his family’s bold move landed him in a warzone, fighting for a country he barely knows. Why did Huffman swap Texas barbecue for Russian bullets? Keep reading to unravel this jaw-dropping saga!

Texas father who moved his family to Russia to escape "wokeness" in the United States, sent to the frontlines in Ukraine.

46-year-old Derek Huffman, who wanted to speed up his citizenship process, says he was promised a non-combat role when he moved to Russia in March.

Instead,… pic.twitter.com/toQYFJOwM8

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 23, 2025

From Texas to Russia: A Quest for Values

Huffman, a construction welder, packed up his wife, DeAnna, three daughters, and their Siberian Husky, “Baby,” to chase a simpler life. Disgusted by America’s cultural shifts, he moved to a village near Moscow in 2023. Initially, he raved about Russia’s history and leadership on his YouTube channel, “Huffman Time.” However, the dream soured fast when promises of an easy life clashed with reality. The “traditional” haven he sought came with a catch—war.

Military Misadventure: Thrown to the Wolves

Hoping to earn Russian citizenship and respect, Huffman joined Russia’s military, expecting a cushy desk job. Instead, he was tossed into Ukraine’s front lines with minimal training and a language barrier. DeAnna, in a now-deleted video, said he felt “thrown to the wolves.” Consequently, the family saw no pay after a month. 

Family Stranded: Dreams Meet Reality

Meanwhile, DeAnna and their three daughters, ages 10 – 12, grapple with life in Russia, far from the idyllic escape they imagined. The family’s YouTube dreams of cultural purity now clash with unpaid bills and uncertainty. Huffman’s quest to prove loyalty to his new home left his family in a lurch, highlighting the absurdity of trading one mess for another. Thus, their story serves as a cautionary tale of chasing ideals abroad.

What’s Next for the Huffmans?

Derek Huffman’s tale is a rollercoaster of idealism, betrayal, and unintended consequences. While unverified rumors of his death in Ukraine swirl, the family’s future remains shaky. They swapped Texas for Russia, only to find war and broken promises. Their story begs a question: Is chasing “traditional values” worth risking everything in a foreign land?

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