Russian Recruitment of Indian Men for the Ukrainian Conflict Raises Concerns

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Recent reports have surfaced regarding the deceitful recruitment of Indian men by Russia to serve in the ongoing war in Ukraine, leading to instances of injury and death.

Severe casualties in the Russian military due to the Ukrainian conflict has led Moscow to seek foreign recruits, including those from Central and South Asian countries. Foreign recruits are allegedly being lured to limit conscription within Russia and avoid domestic discontent.

This week, a video distributed on social platform X featured seven men from Punjab and Haryana, India, appealing for rescue after being duped into military service. They claimed that they were promised a trip to Russia for New Year’s celebrations, only to find themselves abandoned in Belarus and later coerced into the Russian military.

Indian news outlet NDTV reported that these individuals were allegedly handed to Russian authorities and coerced into signing non-comprehensible documents, which led to them facing a dire ultimatum: serve in the military or face a decade in prison.

Recent reports suggest that there could be upwards of two dozen or even hundreds of Indians deceived into fighting in Ukraine. Some have tragically lost their lives, such as 23-year-old Hemil Mangukiya from Gujarat and Mohammad Afsan, according to The Guardian.

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The Indian government has acknowledged the situation, with the Indian Embassy intervening for their safe return. Meanwhile, the government urges Indian citizens to stay clear of the conflict.

Neighboring Nepal has also taken steps to protect its citizens by suspending work permits to Russia, following reports of Nepalese nationals being killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine.

The U.K. Defense Ministry highlighted Russia’s recruitment efforts to avoid additional mobilization ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree which allows foreign nationals serving in the Russian Armed Forces to apply for Russian citizenship.

FAQs about Indian Men Being Coerced into Fighting for Russia

How are Indian men being lured into fighting for Russia in Ukraine?
They are being offered jobs and travel opportunities, but upon reaching places like Belarus, they are coerced into military service.
What happens to these men once they are in the custody of Russian authorities?
They are forced to sign documents in Russian, which they often don’t understand, and are given the choice of imprisonment or military service.
How many Indian men are affected by this situation?
Reports vary, but it could be anywhere from a few dozen to several hundred.
What action is the Indian government taking?
The Indian government, through its embassy, is working to secure the release of its citizens and has advised all Indians to steer clear of the conflict.
Has any step been taken by the neighboring countries?
Yes, for example, Nepal has stopped issuing work permits for its citizens to work in Russia to prevent such incidents.

Conclusion

The recruitment of Indian men under false pretenses to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war raises serious concerns regarding ethical and legal implications. The Indian government’s proactive approach and the cautionary steps taken by neighboring countries like Nepal highlight the severity of the situation. These developments further complicate the ongoing geopolitical conflict, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable populations from such deceitful recruitment tactics.

Note: TheUBJ’s role is to bring awareness through restructured news content derived from various internet sources via AI technology. The content authorship or ownership is not claimed by TheUBJ. The original news source can be found at kyivindependent.com for reference.

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