A 22-year-old Indian student from Gujarat, who went to Russia for higher studies, has surrendered to Ukrainian forces after being drafted into the Russian military for the Russia-Ukraine war. The Ukrainian Army released a video featuring Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein from Morbi, Gujarat, explaining his ordeal and how he joined the Russian forces under duress, only to surrender after three days on the battlefield. Hussein, speaking in Gujarati, described being forced into the military with minimal training and inadequate arms, saying he preferred imprisonment in Ukraine over returning to Russia.
Hussein revealed that he had traveled to Russia for university studies but was jailed on drug-peddling charges. To avoid incarceration, he signed a contract to join the Russian military’s “special military operation,” with the promise that he would be released after one year of service. He received only 16 days of basic military training before being sent to the frontlines on October 1. A conflict with his commander shortly after deployment prompted him to surrender near a Ukrainian trench, where he laid down his weapon and sought help.
He also stated that although he had been promised financial compensation for joining the Russian forces, he never received any payment. Hussein emphasized that he did not wish to return to Russia and would rather face imprisonment in Ukraine.
Reports indicate that over 150 Indians have been recruited into the Russian military since 2022, often lured by promises of education or well-paying jobs. The Indian government has sought the release and repatriation of 27 Indians still serving in Russia, while official figures show at least 12 Indians have died, 96 have been discharged, and 16 remain missing. The Indian Mission in Kiev is currently trying to verify Hussein’s status and surrender with Ukrainian authorities.
