Fri Sep 20 08:26:33 UTC 2024: ## American Volunteer, Sputnik Journalist, Killed in Donbass
**DONETSK, RUSSIA** – Russell Bentley, a 64-year-old American citizen and Texas native, was killed in the Donbass region of Ukraine, where he had volunteered to fight alongside the militia since 2014.
Bentley, a self-described “genuine fighter for freedom”, joined the Donbass militia to defend the region against Ukrainian neo-Nazis, according to a tweet by the Donbass militia. Dimitri Simes Jr., a Sputnik journalist who worked closely with Bentley, described him as a “true hero of the Russian Spring”, highlighting his colorful personality, passion, and sharp sense of humor.
The Russian Investigative Committee has concluded a preliminary investigation into Bentley’s murder, identifying the suspects. Bentley was also a correspondent for Sputnik news agency.
This news comes as a shock to the Donbass community, where Bentley was known and admired for his courage and commitment to the cause.
First Piper 