Indian Student Appeals for Help After Captured by Ukrainian Forces
Gujarat Man's Plea for Assistance
A 23-year-old individual from Morbi, Gujarat, has made a heartfelt appeal to the Indian government for assistance after being detained by Ukrainian authorities. This plea follows his alleged recruitment into the Russian Army, as reported by a local news outlet.
In October, Ukrainian officials announced the capture of Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi, who was reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Majothi had traveled to St. Petersburg on January 10, 2024, on a student visa to study Russian Language and Culture at ITMO University.
In April 2024, he faced charges in a drug-related case and received a seven-year prison sentence in Russia. To escape further incarceration, he was allegedly offered a position in the Russian military during the ongoing war.
He was subsequently apprehended by Ukrainian troops on the battlefield.
In a video message sent to his family, Majothi expressed feelings of hopelessness, stating he felt trapped in Ukraine as a war criminal. He urged fellow Indians considering travel to Russia for education or work to exercise caution, warning them about potential scams.
Majothi specifically requested assistance from the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "If possible, please help." He cautioned that many students could find themselves ensnared in legal troubles, including narcotics-related cases.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has consistently issued warnings to citizens against joining the Russian military, highlighting that many individuals are misled by dishonest agents and often end up in support roles.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has escalated, becoming the most severe in Europe since World War II.
According to the Russian defense ministry, recruitment of Indians was halted in April 2024, although the release of several individuals has been delayed due to existing military contracts.
Majothi's recent video surfaced shortly after the Ministry of External Affairs informed Parliament that out of 202 Indian nationals believed to have been recruited by the Russian military, 26 have died, and seven are currently missing.
Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh noted that 119 individuals have been discharged from military service, and efforts are underway to secure the release of the remaining 50.
The ministry, along with Indian diplomatic missions in Russia, is working to assist those discharged from the Russian Army in returning to India by providing necessary travel documents and air tickets.