Four Russian Soldiers Sentenced in Donetsk Court
A court in Russian-occupied Donetsk on Monday, December 8, 2025, sentenced four Russian soldiers to varying prison terms for the torture and murder of Russell Bentley, an American citizen who fought with pro-Kremlin forces. The sentences, ranging from 1.5 to 12 years in a penal colony, were handed down after the soldiers pleaded guilty to the charges.
The convicted soldiers are:
- Vitaly Vansyatsky: Sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony and stripped of his military rank.
- Andrei Iordanov: Sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony and stripped of his military rank.
- Vladislav Agaltsev: Sentenced to 11 years in a penal colony and stripped of his military rank.
- Vladimir Bazhin: Sentenced to 1.5 years (or 18 months) for concealing crimes.
Details of Bentley's Disappearance and Murder
Russell Bentley, also known by his nom de guerre 'Texas' or 'Donbas Cowboy,' went missing on April 8, 2024, in the Petrovsky district of Donetsk. According to court proceedings and investigations, Vansyatsky and Iordanov encountered Bentley as he was reportedly 'preparing to film the aftermath of a missile strike.' They mistook the 63-year-old American for a 'U.S. spy' or 'saboteur' and detained him. Bentley was then placed in a car, beaten, and tortured in an attempt to extract a confession, which ultimately led to his death. Following the murder, Vansyatsky and Agaltsev allegedly placed Bentley's body in a car and blew up the vehicle in an attempt to conceal the crime. The following day, Bazhin assisted in hiding Bentley's remains, which have reportedly not yet been found.
Who Was Russell Bentley?
Russell Bonner Bentley III was a prominent American pro-Kremlin figure who moved to Donbas in late 2014 to join Russian proxy forces, stating he came to fight 'against fascism.' A self-described communist and former U.S. military veteran, Bentley obtained Russian citizenship in 2020 or 2021. He was known for his work as a 'war correspondent' for the Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik and maintained a YouTube channel before its deletion in 2022. Bentley was a well-known personality in Donetsk, and his disappearance and death sparked outrage among pro-war circles.
Implications of the Verdict
The sentencing of Russian soldiers for crimes committed in Ukraine is considered a rare occurrence, as Moscow typically portrays its servicemen as national heroes. This case has been described as 'awkward' for Moscow, which actively encourages foreigners to join its forces. The verdict underscores the complex and often brutal realities of the conflict, even for those aligned with Russian forces.
7 Comments
Eugene Alta
This verdict shows that even in war, the rule of law can prevail.
KittyKat
The fact that a Russian court prosecuted its own for murder is notable, suggesting an attempt at internal control. However, the explanation of 'mistaking him for a spy' seems too convenient, raising concerns about the true circumstances and broader impunity.
Katchuka
Justice was served for Bentley. Accountability matters.
Michelangelo
An important step showing internal discipline. Respect.
Leonardo
This rare conviction highlights that even pro-Kremlin figures aren't safe from the brutality of the conflict. It's a shocking case that exposes the chaotic environment within Russian-aligned forces, despite the official narrative of justice.
lettlelenok
A transparent PR stunt to clean up their image. Pathetic.
dedus mopedus
Bentley's tragic end underscores the severe risks of joining foreign conflicts, regardless of one's motivations. While the court's actions provide some closure, it's hard to ignore the broader context of unchecked violence in the region.