Indian Nationals Deceived into Combat Roles in Ukraine Conflict

Numerous Indian citizens have reported being misled into traveling to Russia, only to find themselves coerced into active participation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Indian government has recently revealed the existence of a trafficking network that preyed on young men seeking employment abroad.

One individual, a 32-year-old from Pulwama in Kashmir, shared his experience after discovering a YouTube channel that advertised attractive job opportunities in Russia. He claimed to have paid approximately 130,000 rupees (around $1,486) for travel and processing fees, believing he would secure a lucrative job. Instead, he found himself trapped at the border between Russia and Ukraine, eventually serving in combat roles for several months.

This individual recounted harrowing experiences, including being injured during combat training and witnessing the brutal realities of war firsthand in Luhansk, a city ravaged by conflict. He described enduring intense conditions, such as digging trenches while under artillery fire, and sustaining injuries that led to significant hospitalization.

Recent reports indicate that the Indian government has confirmed that at least 126 Indian nationals have served in the Russian military, with some tragically losing their lives and others still unaccounted for. In total, 96 individuals have successfully returned to India after being discharged from military service, and the government is actively negotiating the release of those still in Russia.

Another young man from Karnataka recounted how he and his friends were promised high-paying security positions, only to be forced into a private military company upon arrival in Russia. They were compelled to sign contracts in a language they could not understand and had their personal documents confiscated. The situation escalated when they were required to wear military uniforms, leading them to realize they had been deceived.

One of the returnees described the fear they experienced, especially when witnessing a colleague killed during a drone attack. During a critical moment, he managed to record a video plea for help, which garnered attention and ultimately led to their release.

Many of these individuals were driven by desperation for employment amid limited opportunities in India. Another returnee from Telangana described a similar ordeal, where upon arriving in Russia, he had his documents confiscated and was subsequently coerced into joining a private military group. He recalled the horror of his experiences on the frontline, including threats from commanding officers to instill fear and maintain compliance.

The recent revelations underscore the dangers faced by individuals seeking work abroad, particularly in conflict zones. With the Indian government taking steps to address the issue, there are hopes for the safe return of those still caught in this precarious situation.