Anna Hartz
Indian Student Captured While Fighting for Russia in Ukraine
A young man from India has found himself on the front lines of a war far from home. How he got there is not a simple story.
Caught Fighting for Russia
Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade reported on October 7 that it had captured an Indian national fighting on the Russian side, reports the Kyiv Independent.
The soldier was identified as 22-year-old Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein from the city of Morbi in India.
A Way Out
According to the brigade, Majoti came to Russia to study at a university. He said he was later arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison for drug-related charges.
While in custody, Russian officials offered him a way out — sign a contract with the military and fight in Ukraine.
Majoti appeared in a video released by Ukrainian forces. In it, he said he accepted the offer to avoid more time in prison. “I didn’t want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for the ‘special military operation.’ But I wanted to get out of there,” he said.
Just 16 Days of Training
He was sent for just 16 days of training before being deployed to the front on October 1. After three days of combat, he said he had a dispute with his commander and decided to surrender.
“I came across a Ukrainian trench about two or three kilometers away. I put down my rifle and said I didn’t want to fight. I needed help,” he said.
Not the Only Indian National
Majoti told Ukrainian troops that he had been promised money for joining the Russian army but never received any payment.
He also said he did not want to return to Russia. “There is no truth there. Nothing. I would rather go to prison here,” he said.
Reports suggest that at least 12 Indians have been killed and 16 are missing while fighting for Russia.
India has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow but has called for peace. Many foreign nationals have been drawn into the war under false promises, showing how far its reach has spread.
This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, which may have used AI in the preparation
