New Delhi: A 22-year-old Indian national from Morbi, Gujarat, identified as Majoti Sahil Mohammed Hussain, has reportedly been captured by Ukrainian forces while allegedly serving in the Russian Army. Indian authorities are yet to confirm the detention and are verifying the reports.
According to Ukrainian media outlet The Kyiv Independent, Hussain initially went to Russia for university studies but was later drafted into the Russian army.
In a video released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade, he said he was serving a seven-year prison sentence in Russia for drug-related crimes when he was offered a contract to join the Russian army as part of a special military operation. He accepted the offer to avoid completing his sentence.
Hussain said he received only 16 days of military training before being sent to the front line on October 1. After three days of fighting and disagreements with his commander, he voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian forces. “I saw a Ukrainian trench about 2–3 km away. I dropped my weapon and told them I didn’t want to fight and needed help,” he said.
He added that, despite promises of financial compensation, he never received any payment. “I don’t want to go back to Russia. There’s no truth, there’s nothing. I would rather be in jail here [in Ukraine],” Hussain said.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said, “We are ascertaining the veracity of the report. We have not yet received any formal communication from the Ukrainian side in this regard.”
Earlier this year, the Indian government revealed that at least 12 Indian nationals had died fighting for the Russian army, while 16 others were reported missing. India has since raised the issue with Moscow, urging the early release of Indian nationals involved in the conflict.
