I've taken Russell into numerous wars with me, namely against the Preps.
I lead 3 Bullies (one being Russell) against the black Prep and the black haired Prep. At that point, Bif and one other one came out and fought us. Two of them were down, while only one of mine were down. I beat down Bif with the help of my spud gun, but Russell was low on health when we finally beat the last one.
However, since the other Bully wasn't a bodyguard and the other was knocked out, I couldn't fight anymore. I was tired after that.