Putin turns on Kremlin’s ‘merry milkman’ as deportation looms

Justus Walker

An American farmer once celebrated in Russia for his loyalty to the Kremlin is facing deportation after his relationship with the authorities turned sour. Justus Walker says officials plan to cancel his residency permit, potentially forcing his family to abandon the farm and life they built.

The Kremlin favourite suddenly finds himself out in the cold

Walker moved to Russia with his parents when he was 11 before later returning alone to raise goats. With his wife Rebecca and their three children, he built a public profile documenting their rural life and promoting their farming mission.

His cheerful image won him attention from Russian media and the nickname “Merry Milkman”. In 2014, he appeared on television backing Moscow’s ban on foreign food imports, joking that Russians would have no Italian cheese and would instead buy his products.

Then Walker started challenging the authorities

The relationship changed after Walker began criticising government policies. From 2024, he publicly objected to gold-mining operations near his land and complained online about agricultural rules that he said were hurting small farmers.

He accused the government of driving small agricultural businesses out of existence. Now, according to the Daily Beast, that outspoken stance has been followed by a decision that could cost him his residency.

‘My family is being expelled’

Walker announced the development in a YouTube video titled “Family Tragedy”, describing the decision as a shock. He said his family could have only days to leave if his appeal fails.

The potential loss extends beyond residency. Walker fears being forced to abandon the business and property he has spent years building, with no financial compensation.

A propaganda symbol turned critic

Walker had once presented his life in Russia as a mission and a blessing. But his increasingly public criticism has transformed his position from cheerful foreign promoter to unwanted dissident.

Now he is racing to appeal the decision. Online critics have shown little sympathy, arguing that the American farmer was embraced by Kremlin propagandists when his message suited the regime — only to discover how quickly that favour could disappear.

Putin turns on American farmer used as propaganda puppet — now he faces deportation