Russia sentences soldiers for killing U.S. citizen
A court in Russian-controlled Donetsk on Monday sentenced four Russian soldiers for the April 2024 killing of American-born Russell “Texas” Bentley, a 64-year-old pro-Moscow propagandist and fighter. Two officers received 12-year terms and were stripped of rank, a sergeant got 11 years, and a fourth soldier received 1.5 years for concealing crimes, after the court found Bentley was beaten to death when they mistook him for a U.S. spy and his body was later destroyed in a car explosion.
📌 Key Facts
- Court in Russian-held Donetsk issued sentences on Dec. 8, 2025
- Victim: Russell Bentley, 64, an American-born pro-Moscow fighter and propagandist
- Sentences: 12 years for Major Vitaly Vansyatsky and Lt. Andrei Iordanov; 11 years for Sgt. Vladislav Agaltsev; 1.5 years for another soldier for concealment
- Court found Bentley was beaten and tortured, then his body was placed in a car that was blown up