Indian National Reportedly Captured in Ukraine
Ukraine has claimed that it has captured a 22-year-old Indian citizen allegedly fighting for the Russian army amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Indian government has said it is working to verify the authenticity of the reports after a video surfaced showing the young man in Ukrainian custody.
According to Ukrainian military sources, the individual, identified as Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein from Morbi in Gujarat, appeared in a video released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanised Brigade. In the footage, Hussein is seen stating that he was initially imprisoned in Russia on drug-related charges before being recruited by Russian authorities to fight in the war.
#BREAKING: Ukraine claim they have captured an Indian National along with Russian Forces. Indian national Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein is a 22-year-old student from Morbi, Gujarat, India who had gone to Russia to study at a university. Indian Govt is ascertaining details. pic.twitter.com/FtmsryGN1S
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) October 7, 2025
Student Turned Soldier Under Duress
Reports suggest that Hussein had traveled to Russia to pursue higher education. However, his life took a drastic turn when he was allegedly sentenced to seven years in prison for drug-related offenses. While serving his sentence, he was offered a deal—sign a contract to fight for the Russian military and secure early release.
“I didn’t want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for the ‘special military operation,’” Hussein reportedly said in the video, using Russia’s term for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He added that he had only 16 days of basic training before being deployed to the front lines.
Captured After Surrendering to Ukrainian Troops
Hussein recounted that he was sent on his first combat mission on October 1, and after three days of fighting, he decided to surrender. Following a dispute with his Russian commander, he reportedly laid down his weapon upon encountering Ukrainian troops.
“I came across a Ukrainian trench about two kilometers away. I put down my rifle and said I didn’t want to fight. I needed help,” he said.
In his statement, Hussein revealed that he was promised financial compensation by Russian officials for joining their army—a promise that, according to him, was never fulfilled. “I don’t want to go back to Russia. There is no truth there, nothing. I would rather go to prison here,” he added.
India Yet to Confirm Report
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi stated that it had not yet received any formal communication from the Ukrainian side regarding Hussein’s capture. “We are ascertaining the veracity of the report. We have not yet received any formal communication from the Ukrainian side in this regard,” an MEA source told NDTV.
The Indian government has previously expressed serious concern over reports of Indian nationals being misled into joining the Russian army. In January, the MEA confirmed that 12 Indians had died while fighting for Russia, while 16 others remained missing. India had then taken up the issue strongly with Moscow, seeking the immediate release of its citizens trapped in the conflict.
Growing Concerns Over Foreign Recruits in Russian Army
This incident highlights increasing concerns over Russia’s alleged recruitment of foreign nationals, including citizens from India, Nepal, and North Korea. Reports suggest that several individuals were lured by promises of well-paying jobs or educational opportunities, only to find themselves coerced into joining the Russian forces.
Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified efforts to bolster their manpower amid the prolonged conflict, which began in February 2022. For India, the latest case adds to mounting diplomatic challenges as it seeks to protect its citizens caught in the crossfire.
India’s Neutral Stance on the Conflict
Since the outbreak of the war, India has maintained a position of neutrality, refraining from joining Western sanctions against Moscow. New Delhi has repeatedly called for peace, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable solution to the crisis.
The MEA has urged all Indian nationals to avoid traveling to conflict zones and has reiterated that the government continues to monitor the situation closely. If verified, the capture of Hussein could further strengthen India’s calls for the safe return of its citizens currently stranded or engaged under duress in the war.
