India Verifies Reports of Indian National Captured by Ukraine Allegedly Fighting for Russia

Ukraine has reported the capture of an individual they assert is an Indian national fighting for the Russian Army. This claim has led India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to begin verifying these reports. The person in question has been identified by Ukrainian media as Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein, a 22-year-old from Morbi, Gujarat.

In a video released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanised Brigade, Hussein is shown stating that he was sentenced to seven years in a Russian prison on drug charges. He claims he was later recruited by the Russian military to avoid continuing his imprisonment.

In the video, Hussein explains, "I didn’t want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for the ‘special military operation’. But I wanted to get out of there." He recounts that after 16 days of training, he was sent on his first combat mission on October 1. Following a disagreement with his commander, he claims to have surrendered to Ukrainian troops after approaching their position unarmed.

Indian authorities are currently trying to gather more information. An MEA source told NDTV, "We are ascertaining the veracity of the report. We have not yet received any formal communication from the Ukrainian side in this regard."

Hussein also stated that he did not receive the financial compensation promised for joining the Russian forces and expressed a strong desire not to return to Russia. He reportedly said, "There is no truth there, nothing. I’d rather go to prison here (in Ukraine)."

This incident follows previous reports of foreign nationals, including Indians, being recruited by Russian forces under the guise of attractive job offers or educational opportunities. In January 2025, the MEA confirmed that 12 Indian nationals had died fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with 16 more still unaccounted for.

In response, New Delhi has engaged with Moscow, pressing for the prompt release and safe return of Indian citizens caught in the ongoing conflict. India maintains a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, advocating for peaceful, diplomatic solutions and abstaining from participating in international sanctions against Moscow.