Post by : Rameen Ariff

A 22-year-old Indian from Gujarat, Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein, has reportedly surrendered to Ukrainian forces after fighting for the Russian military. Hussein, a native of Morbi, joined Russia’s forces to avoid a prison sentence, Ukrainian officials said.

According to the 63rd Mechanised Brigade of Ukraine, Hussein was captured after just three days on the battlefield. A video released by Ukrainian authorities shows Hussein speaking in Russian, admitting he had joined Russia’s army to escape a seven-year prison term linked to drug charges. “I didn’t want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for the 'special military operation',” he said.

Hussein explained that he received only 16 days of basic training before being sent to the frontlines on October 1. After a disagreement with his commander, he approached a Ukrainian trench position and surrendered, saying, “I immediately put down my rifle and said I didn’t want to fight. I needed help.”

He also claimed that he never received the payment promised by the Russian military and expressed his wish not to return to Russia. “There is no truth there, nothing. I’d rather go to prison here (in Ukraine),” he stated.

The Indian Mission in Kiev is currently verifying the reports, as it has not received any formal communication from Ukrainian authorities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has previously confirmed that over 150 Indian nationals have been recruited or misled into serving with Russian forces since the war began in 2022. So far, 12 Indians have died in the conflict, 96 have been discharged, and 16 remain missing.

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the matter with Russian authorities, urging the safe return and repatriation of Indian nationals serving in the Russian military.

#world news #Global News #India News