Indians Recruited by Russia for Ukraine War Under False Job Pretenses

Deception and Recruitment

• 💡 Mjid, a 21-year-old from India, was lured by local agents with promises of a lucrative job as a helper in the Russian army, offering a monthly salary of €2,000.
• 🎯 Many Indians, often from poor families, were recruited with fake promises of stable jobs as helpers, cooks, or housekeepers in Russia.

Forced into Combat

• ⚠️ Upon arrival, instead of the promised roles, these individuals were sent directly to war zones in Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine.
• 💥 Mjid described being given guns and forced to fight, with commanders stating there were no helpers in the army, only soldiers.
• ⛓️ He recounted experiencing abuse, sleep deprivation, and constant fear, making him lose hope of returning home.

Tragic Outcomes and Broken Promises

• 💔 At least 126 Indians were reportedly duped into joining the Russian army, with six from Mjid's village alone.
• 💀 Ravi, 23, was declared dead in December 2024 after being missing for nine months, having been forced to sign a contract in Russian he didn't understand.
• ⚖️ His family is determined to fight the agent who defrauded him, even if it means selling their house.
• 🗣️ In July 2024, during a diplomatic exchange, Russia promised the early release of Indian citizens serving in its army.