They quit the West for Russia's traditional values, but it wasn't what they expected

[Eugene]

Source: BBC

They quit the West for Russia's traditional values, but it wasn't what they expected

26 June 2026

Dan Hardoon
BBC World Service

When Leo Hare moved to Russia from Texas in late 2023, after being granted asylum, he was convinced he was building a better future for his family.

The father of three threw himself into his new life: sampling dumplings , milking goats on a farm and filming videos about life in Russia for his online followers.

Leo is a devout Christian who had become increasingly disillusioned with everything from political division in the US, to genetically modified food and what he sees as the rise of the LGBTQ movement.

At the time, he believed Russia offered an attractive alternative: a society built on Christian faith and family values – a view heavily promoted by the Russian state.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn075j04pnyo

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The article goes on to cover the Move to Russia program and it's "shared values" visa.

As for Leo Hare, he admits to being fed propaganda, but he persists out of a sense of "destiny."

[Zorro]

1. Wait wait wait.

The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence?

[displacedvermoter]

2. This is about fifth or sixth such tale of woe I have

seen about such people, including the dumbass what found himself fighting on the front lines against the Ukranians, and who might or might not be dead. And I don't care about this crew either, fuck them.

[ck4829]

3. I will say this about Russia... they found the perfect stream of marks appealing to the "anti-woke" crowd

They will rationalize and sunk-cost every fraud they fall victim to, every bribe they have to pay.

They already do it here.