Kyiv: An Indian-origin man who had joined the Russian army surrendered to Ukrainian forces on Tuesday, Ukrainian media reported.
An Indian-origin man in the Russian army was detained by Ukrainian forces on Tuesday and the Indian government was also informed about this, it is said. The Indian embassy in Kyiv confirmed that the Ukrainian forces have captured Majoti Sahil Mohammad Hussain, a native of Gujarat.
The 22-year-old Hussain spent only three days on the front lines in the Russian army. He claimed that he had come to Russia to study. But he was later sentenced to seven years in prison for being caught with drugs. After this, he was reportedly offered a contract with the Russian armed forces.
'I came to Russia to study. However, I was sentenced to seven years in prison for my involvement in a drug case. Later, I was contracted to fight in the war against Ukraine with the Russian army.
I did not want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for special military operations. After 16 days of training, I was deployed on combat operations on October 1,’ the report said.
I surrendered to the Ukrainian army intentionally
Similarly, “I saw a Ukrainian trench position about 2-3 kilometers (1-2 miles) away... At this time, I immediately put down my rifle and surrendered to the Ukrainian army, saying that I do not want to fight. I need help,” Hussain said.
Ministry of External Affairs clarification
The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said that India has demanded the release and repatriation of 27 Indian nationals serving in the Russian army. Indians in Russia on student and business visas are being forced to join the army to fight in the war against Ukraine. The number of Indians currently in the Russian army is reported to have exceeded 150.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue with Vladimir Putin during his visit to Russia last year. Similarly, while at least 12 Indians have died in the war against Ukraine, Russian authorities have released 96 Indians. Officials said 16 more are missing.