American dairy farmer in Russia faces expulsion after criticizing officials
U.S. citizen Justus Walker, who once praised Russian agricultural policy, has been told his residence permit will be revoked after he publicly denounced local authorities.
Justus Walker, an American who settled on a farm in Russia’s Altai region, has been notified that his resident permit may be revoked, prompting a possible deportation of his wife Rebecca and their three children. The farmer, once featured on Russian television lauding the nation’s ban on foreign food imports and dubbed the “Cheerful Dairyman,” now criticizes government-supported gold mining and alleges punitive actions against agricultural enterprises.
In a video titled “Family Tragedy,” Walker expressed disbelief at the move and warned that the family might have only a few days to exit the country. Observers note that he is unlikely to receive compensation for the loss of his farm. He is exploring legal avenues to contest the expulsion, while the Russian Embassy in New York has been contacted for comment.
Why it matters
The case highlights how dissent can affect foreign residents and underscores tensions between propaganda use and state criticism in Russia.
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