**Indian National Captured by Ukrainian Forces While Fighting for Russia Claims He Was Forced to Join Military from Prison**

Ukrainian military forces have captured an Indian national fighting on behalf of Russia, who alleges that Russian authorities pulled him from jail and coerced him into joining the war with promises of freedom and monetary rewards.

The man, identified as Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein from Morbi, Gujarat, had initially traveled to Russia to pursue university studies. According to the Fighters of Ukraine’s 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, Majoti was taken prisoner while serving in Russia’s 3rd Army Corps. The Brigade released a video interview featuring Majoti, shedding light on his experience.

Majoti revealed that he was serving a seven-year sentence in a Russian prison on drug-related charges. He claims he was offered a chance to sign a contract with the Russian military to avoid further punishment. In September, he underwent 16 days of military training, which included basic rifle handling, grenade use, and shooting techniques.

“I didn’t want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for the ‘special military operation’—Russia’s term for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine,” Majoti stated. “But my intention was to escape once deployed.”

According to Majoti, during his service, he encountered a Ukrainian trench position roughly 2–3 kilometers away. “I immediately put down my rifle and said that I didn’t want to fight. I needed help,” he said.

On October 1, Majoti was sent on his first combat mission, which lasted for three days. Following an altercation with his commander, he decided to surrender to Ukrainian troops from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade.

Majoti also claimed that despite promises of monetary compensation for joining the Russian military, he never received any payment.

This case highlights a troubling pattern amid the conflict. Deutsche Welle reported on February 11 that at least 12 Indians have been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine, while 16 are currently missing. The experiences of individuals like Majoti raise serious questions about recruitment practices and the treatment of foreign nationals in the ongoing war.

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*Source: Fighters of Ukraine, Deutsche Welle*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/video-22-yr-old-gujarat-student-narrates-ordeal-after-being-captured-by-ukraine-while-fighting-for-russia