Russian Court Sentences 4 Soldiers to Prison for Killing Texan

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Neil MacFarquharDecember 8, 2025 at 11:07 PM

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In December 2025, a Russian military court sentenced four soldiers to prison for the murder of Russell Bonner Bentley III, a 64-year-old American who fought for Moscow in the occupied Donbas region of Ukraine. Bentley, a Texas native and self-proclaimed communist, had been living in Donetsk since 2014 and working as a propagandist. He disappeared in April 2024 after surveying an artillery strike. Two soldiers, suspecting him of being an American saboteur, detained, beat, and tortured him to death. They then attempted to cover up the crime by staging an artillery strike and burning the body. The soldiers received sentences ranging from 1.5 to 12 years, and Bentley's widow was awarded civil damages.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Moscow 50% Donetsk ×260% Ukraine ×470% Donbas region ×380% Russell Bonner Bentley III ×5100%

Keywords

russell bonner bentley iii 100% murder 90% russian soldiers 80% prison sentence 70% donbas 70% torture 60% ukraine 60% saboteur 50% propagandist 50% military court 40%