From job promise to warzone with little food: The story of Indian men trapped in Russia’s war

Mohammad Sufiyan, a 22-year-old from Telangana, and three others from Karnataka returned to India on Friday, nearly seven months after a distressing video of him pleading for rescue from the Russia-Ukraine border surfaced. At least 60 other Indian youths, according to a TOI report, who fell victim to a scam in which they were promised jobs as security personnel or helpers in Russia. However, upon arriving in Russia, their circumstances deteriorated rapidly. They found themselves forced into grueling labor and combat roles under inhumane conditions.

Harrowing Conditions

Speaking to TOI, Sufiyan recounted the brutal conditions they endured. They were required to work 15-hour days with minimal rest and inadequate rations. The men were subjected to intense physical demands, including digging trenches and handling assault rifles. Training included the use of Kalashnikovs and other explosives.

Isolation and Psychological Strain

The situation was exacerbated by their isolation. Their mobile phones were confiscated, cutting them off from their families and the outside world. Abdul Nayeem, another victim, struggled emotionally as he was unable to communicate with his loved ones for months. The psychological impact of living in a war zone, coupled with the constant fear of death and the pressure to perform, was profound.The trauma of witnessing the deaths of comrades, including a close friend named Hamil, who was killed in a drone attack, added to their distress.

In response to the crisis, the Indian government has initiated an investigation into the recruitment agencies that misled these individuals. Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan had earlier confirmed that efforts are underway to bring back all stranded Indians and to take legal action against the agencies involved.