Kathrine Frich
A 22-year-old Indian student studying medicine in Russia was sent to fight in Ukraine after just over two weeks of training.
Captured by Ukrainian forces, he told Channel 24 how he was pushed into battle through a deal that traded prison for war.
Foreign fighters
As Russia’s invasion continues into its third year, heavy losses have led to an increased reliance on foreign recruits.
Estimates suggest between 150,000 and 250,000 Russian soldiers have died since the war began.
Several reports accuse Moscow of misleading men from poorer countries into signing contracts written only in Russian.
Many are promised good pay or citizenship, only to find themselves in combat zones soon after.
According to the Kenyan newspaper The Nation, ex-soldiers and civilians alike have been drawn into Russia’s army under unclear terms.
The case of the young Indian captured by Ukraine illustrates how far this recruitment network extends.
A deal for freedom
The student told Channel 24 he had travelled to Russia to study medicine. Later, he was arrested and convicted for drug trafficking.
Facing seven years in prison, he said Russian officials gave him an option to join the so-called “special military operation” instead of serving time.
“They told me I’d serve for one year before going home,” he said. He was also promised a Russian passport and a payment ranging between 100,000 and 1.5 million rubles. “But they didn’t give me anything,” he added.
He underwent only 16 days of basic training, learning to fire a machine gun and throw grenades. On 30 September he was sent to the front.
The next day, he entered Ukraine with a group of recruits.
Three days of battle
He said his unit walked about three kilometres to dig defensive shelters. Soon, he told his commander he could no longer continue.
“I was tired, my legs and heart hurt,” he explained.
His request was denied, and his radio was taken away.
He decided to flee and walked toward Ukrainian positions. On 7 October, he surrendered after reaching a Ukrainian bunker.
“He came to our doctors after reaching the shelter. He said he hadn’t killed anyone and didn’t want to fight,” said Rostyslav Yashchyshyn, head of communications for Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade.
The student had spent only three days on the front before his capture.
Outrage in india
In India, the case has caused widespread shock. Twelve Indian nationals are reported to have died while fighting for Russia, and sixteen others remain missing.
Officials in New Delhi have not yet commented publicly. The story has reignited debate about how Moscow recruits vulnerable foreigners, offering them freedom or money to serve in its army.
Sources: L’independent, Channel 24 (Ukraine), The Nation (Kenya), Reuters, BBC, AP
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
