‘We’re unpacking our suitcases’: the American farmer known as Russia’s ‘Merry Milkman’ says he isn’t being deported after all

Justus Walker, a U.S. citizen and farmer in Russia who gained notoriety as "The Merry Milkman," revealed on August 10 that his family is not being deported from the country. During an appearance on Russian state media, Walker stated that they have been informed there are no grounds for deportation, calling it a "misunderstanding" or "mix-up." He expressed relief at the news, saying, "As of today, we’re heading home... We’re going home, everything’s fine."

Walker, who came to Russia at age 11 with his parents, recounted his journey in a recent interview. In 2000, his parents returned to the U.S., but he decided to stay and start farming on his farm in Altai Krai. It was in 2014 that Walker gained attention when a news program on Vesti highlighted Russia's ban on food imports, leading him to famously quip, "Why, why, because there won’t be your Italian cheese."

On August 7, Walker initially announced his family's impending deportation, after receiving a phone call saying his residence permit would be revoked. However, he clarified on August 10 that no such action is taking place, and his family is set to return home, as they plan to apply for Russian citizenship. Walker currently holds a Russian passport himself.