Russell Bentley: Call Sign 'TEXAC'
My personal knowledge, the current narratives, and most importantly, the man himself.
This article is dedicated to Russell regardless of his whereabouts— he was the first professional contact of the Shultz Report and has continued to be one of the most encouraging individuals in regards to the value of perseverance and the value of telling the truth, no matter what.
What Russell means to me is nothing compared to what he means for Russia, and for Donbass in particular. In 2014, Russell (call sign TEXAC) became a militia member fighting for the Donbass region. After his service, he began working for the Russian Hour media company, where he has been telling the truth in spite of all odds and danger ever since.
My conversations with him since the start of this publication mean a lot to me. And even though I truly have no idea what exactly is going on, I care about him and mostly his cause. People should know he is missing, and should pray he is not in the hands of the Ukrainian Security Services (SBU). The story of Gonzalo Lira has taught us all how Ukraine is willing to treat Americans fighting for Russian victory.
On April 8th at 3:30pm, Russell and his wife arrived a location in the Petrovsky district of Donetsk. In response to nearby Ukrainian shelling, the veteran decided to go to the affected area in order potentially help any of the wounded.1 His wife is reported to have been left with only a baseball cap, his glasses, and his phone, which was broken.2
Yesterday, April 12th at 6:37pm (Texas time), I received a simple greeting message from Russell, saying he hoped I was doing well. This is nothing out of the ordinary. As two American journalists supporting Russia in its current battle to secure the Russian regions of Ukraine, we occasionally check in on each other every few weeks or so.
Being prone toward abject naivety, I answered “Yes! Are you okay?!”
Afterwards, I did what I should have done first and checked the chats. He is still missing. I don’t know what’s going on. But this is all I have right now. Please pray he is okay. He is a good man. He is not a traitor. He is on the right side of history and the present.
With concern and anxiety,
-M.Shultz @ the Shultz Report
https://t.me/TXDPR/13447
https://t.me/TXDPR/13448