Indians lured to Russia to fight in Ukraine are dying on the front lines, families reveal
Over the past few weeks, news outlets have been tracking the shocking deaths of numerous Indians who travelled to Russia to take up arms on behalf of pro-Russian forces fighting in Ukraine.
According to accounts from their relatives, at least 25 young Indians, predominantly from India, have made the perilous trip to join Vladimir Putin’s proxies in the embattled east Ukrainian region, known as Donbas. Sources close to these families describe these young men and women as often being under-18 years of age and easily swayed by the promises of high-paying job opportunities in Russian-controlled territory.
Many were previously working low-income jobs back home, earning about $4-$5 a month. With prospects of higher paying jobs abroad enticing, a vast majority were desperate to flee financial struggles, particularly in areas struggling with severe unemployment.
Those Indian recruits reportedly crossed the borders either from Iran or from Nepal with the aid of Russian recruitment teams. Russia appears to have manipulated these youth for its purposes.
Families’ desperation turned anguish as word emerged of loved ones’ passing during battles with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Emotional video messages posted online by those recruits before heading abroad have given them a heartbreaking last goodbye. Despite their circumstances back home being perilous, news of such high casualty counts amidst a raging international conflict now further devastates lives.
One anxious mother’s only hope for reunification was reduced to this chilling message:
“Please send one last hug! I’ll love my son always no matter where the world goes”