Daijiworld Media Network - Kyiv
Kyiv, Oct 8: A 22-year-old Indian national allegedly fighting for the Russian army has reportedly been captured by Ukrainian forces, according to Ukrainian media reports. Indian authorities have not yet confirmed the detention and are working to verify the reports, which identify the individual as Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein, a resident of Morbi, Gujarat.
Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told NDTV, “We are ascertaining the veracity of the report. We have not yet received any formal communication from the Ukrainian side in this regard.”
According to The Kyiv Independent, Hussein had gone to Russia to study but was later enlisted by the Russian army. In a video recorded by Ukraine's 63rd Mechanised Brigade, Hussein explained that he had been sentenced to seven years in prison on drug-related charges in Russia. To avoid further punishment, he agreed to sign a contract with the Russian military for Russia’s so-called "special military operation" in Ukraine.
Hussein stated that he received 16 days of training before being sent on his first combat mission on October 1. After three days of fighting and a conflict with his commander, he surrendered to Ukrainian troops. “I immediately put down my rifle and said that I didn't want to fight. I needed help,” he reportedly told the Ukrainian military.
He also claimed that he was promised financial compensation, which he never received, and added, “I don't want to go back to Russia. There is no truth there, nothing. I'd rather go to prison here (in Ukraine).”
This incident comes amid reports that Russian forces have been enlisting foreign nationals, including Indians and North Koreans, with promises of jobs or other incentives.
Earlier in January, the MEA had reported that 12 Indian nationals had died fighting for Russia, while 16 others were missing. The Indian government has since taken up the issue with Moscow, requesting the early discharge of Indians caught in the conflict. New Delhi has maintained a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war, refusing to join international sanctions against Russia and calling for a peaceful resolution.