Kyiv/New Delhi: Stories of Indians preventing alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have usually surfaced. One such case gained consideration when an Indian reportedly surrendered to Ukrainian forces after a brief stint with Russian troops.
The Ukrainian 63rd Mechanized Brigade launched a purported video displaying a person figuring out himself as Majoti Sahil Mohammad Hussain from Gujarat. The Ukrainian military claimed he joined the Russian navy to keep away from a seven-year jail time period in a drug trafficking case in Ukraine however laid down his arms after solely three days of fight.
Within the video 1.45 minutes video clip shared on Telegram, the person, carrying a crimson T-shirt, may be seen talking in Russian, recounting his journey.
The Indian Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) stated it’s investigating the matter. “We’re verifying the authenticity of this report. No official replace has been obtained from Ukrainian authorities to date,” stated an MEA spokesperson.
Who Is Sahil Mohammad Hussain?
The 22-year-old hails from Morbi in Gujarat. He had travelled to Russia to pursue increased schooling and enrolled in a neighborhood college. Throughout his keep there, he was allegedly implicated in a drug trafficking case and sentenced to seven years in jail. Unwilling to serve time, he sought an alternate.
Across the identical interval, the Russian navy was recruiting people to affix the continued “particular navy operation” in change for leniency. Hussain signed a contract to serve with the Russian forces, which allowed him to keep away from imprisonment.
From Jail To The Battlefield
Within the viral video, Hussain defined, “I first got here to Russia to check in a college. I used to be jailed for drug trafficking and sentenced to seven years. I didn’t wish to keep in jail, so I signed a contract to affix the particular navy operation. This was my approach out.”
The contract required him to battle together with Russian forces for one 12 months, after which he could be repatriated to India. Hussain added, “After I signed the contract, some stated I’d get one lakh rubles, some 10 lakh, others 15 lakh. However I obtained nothing.”
He stated he obtained solely 16 days of fundamental navy coaching earlier than being deployed to the frontlines on October 1. Quickly after, he had a dispute together with his commander and determined to give up.
“I reached a Ukrainian trench place about 2-3 kilometres away, put down my weapon and stated I don’t wish to battle. I need assistance. I’ve not harmed anybody. I got here right here simply three days in the past. I don’t need struggle; I simply wish to go away,” he stated.
Hussain additionally informed Ukrainian forces, “I don’t wish to return to Russia. You may detain me right here if wanted, but when potential, please ship me to India.”
Ukrainian officers confirmed that concern and exhaustion prompted Hussain’s give up.
Indian Mission Lively In Kyiv
Sources in New Delhi confirmed that Indian officers in Kyiv are verifying the report. The MEA stated, “We’re within the means of confirming the reality of this report. No formal communication has to date been obtained from Ukraine.”
Earlier this 12 months, the Indian authorities issued warnings to residents concerning the dangers of becoming a member of the Russian navy. In January, the MEA reported that 126 Indians had been misled and brought to Russia. Of them, 96 returned safely, 12 died and 16 stay lacking.
College students Caught In The Crossfire
A number of college students from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh who went to Russia for research are reportedly being compelled to battle. Sandeep Kumar, 29, from Taimurpur village in Rohtak, Haryana, went to Russia on a research visa. His mom informed the media that he was illegally enlisted within the Russian military.
“He went to Russia on September 23, 2024, for research. No coaching was offered. He was despatched straight to the Russia-Ukraine border to battle. His passport and cellphone had been taken. He went to check, to not battle,” she stated.
MEA Assertion On Indian Residents In Russian Military
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that round 27 Indian residents had been not too long ago enlisted within the Russian military. “We’ve realized about extra Indian residents being recruited by way of their households. We’ve raised this challenge critically with our mission in Russia. We’ve requested authorities in Moscow to make sure our residents are returned as quickly as potential. Round 27 Indians are concerned, and we’re making all efforts to carry them again,” he stated.
The Russia-Ukraine struggle started on February 24, 2022, and continues at this time. India has maintained neutrality, advocating diplomacy and dialogue over navy intervention.