Ukrainian media reported on Tuesday that a 22-year-old Indian national, reportedly fighting for the Russian army, was captured by Ukrainian forces.
According to reports, the man has been identified as Majoti Sahil Mohammed, believed to be a resident of Morbi in Gujarat. He had originally gone to Russia to pursue studies but was compelled to join the Russian armed forces following a drug-related conviction. Mohammed reportedly told Ukrainian forces that he did not want to fight and had surrendered voluntarily.
‘Did Not Want To Fight, Wanted To Return To India’
Ukrainian officials quoted him as saying that he needed help and did not want to return to Russia, expressing his wish to either stay in Ukraine or go back to India. He also claimed that he had been promised freedom after completing a year of service and a payment ranging from RUB 100,000 to 1.5 million (approximately USD 1,200–USD 18,000), but said he never received any of the promised money.
Mohammed appeared in a video released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanised Brigade, which had captured him. In the footage, he stated that he had been sentenced to seven years in a Russian prison on drug-related charges. During his imprisonment, he was reportedly given the option to sign a contract with the Russian military to avoid further punishment, a deal he accepted.
He said that he chose to join the military as he did not want to remain in jail, signing a contract for the so-called “special military operation.” Mohammed added that he received just 16 days of training before being sent on his first combat mission on October 1. After three days of fighting, he claimed to have surrendered to Ukrainian troops following a dispute with his commander.
Reports Of Foreign Nationals Being Recruited By Russia
The development comes amid reports that Russian forces have been recruiting foreign nationals, including individuals from India and North Korea, with promises of high-paying jobs and other incentives.
Earlier this year, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 12 Indian nationals, among 126 who were reportedly misled into joining Russian service, had died while fighting in Ukraine. At the time, the ministry also said that 16 others were still unaccounted for.