Indian student jailed in Russia, forced into war, surrenders to Ukraine after three days on battlefield

In a startling revelation that underscores the human cost of geopolitical conflict, a 22-year-old Indian student from Gujarat’s Morbi district, Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein, has surrendered to Ukrainian forces after allegedly being coerced into fighting for the Russian military. Hussein, who had initially travelled to Russia for higher studies, found himself entangled in a war he never intended to join—after being convicted on drug-related charges and offered military service as an alternative to a seven-year prison sentence.

The incident has triggered diplomatic concern, with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirming that it is verifying the authenticity of the reports and seeking formal communication from Ukrainian authorities. Hussein’s case is the latest in a growing list of Indian nationals who have been recruited, misled, or forced into combat roles by Russian forces amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Majoti Hussein’s Journey – From Student to Soldier

In a video released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanised Brigade, Hussein is seen speaking in Russian, recounting his ordeal. “I didn’t want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for the ‘special military operation’. But I wanted to get out of there,” he says, using Moscow’s term for its invasion of Ukraine. He adds that he received only 16 days of basic training before being sent to the front lines.

Hussein claims he never received the money promised to him and that he had no intention of fighting. After a disagreement with his commander, he walked nearly three kilometres to a Ukrainian trench, laid down his weapon, and surrendered. “I needed help. I don’t want to go back to Russia. There is no truth there, nothing. I’d rather go to prison here,” he says in the video.

Indian Nationals in Russian Military – Status Report

The MEA has previously raised the issue with Moscow, urging the release and repatriation of Indian nationals serving in the Russian military. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly discussed the matter during his visit to Russia last year, emphasizing that Indian citizens should not be drawn into foreign conflicts under coercion or false promises.

Hussein’s case has reignited concerns over the recruitment of foreign nationals into Russia’s armed forces. Reports suggest that some Indians on student or business visas were lured with promises of money, freedom, or citizenship, only to be deployed on the frontlines with minimal training and support.

Russia’s Foreign Recruitment Strategy – Key Observations

The Ukrainian military has accused Russia of “actively recruiting foreigners into their army,” and Hussein’s surrender has been used to highlight the plight of coerced combatants. The video has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and calls for international accountability.

Social media platforms have lit up with reactions to Hussein’s story, with hashtags like #IndianStudentInWar, #RussiaUkraineConflict, and #MajotiHussein trending across Twitter/X, Facebook, and YouTube. Civil society groups and diaspora organizations have urged the Indian government to expedite efforts to bring back nationals trapped in the conflict.

Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Hussein’s Surrender

Diplomatic sources say the Indian embassy in Kyiv is working to verify the video and establish contact with Ukrainian authorities. No formal communication has been received yet, but officials are hopeful that Hussein can be repatriated safely.

India’s Diplomatic Response – Action Plan

In conclusion, Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein’s surrender to Ukrainian forces after being coerced into fighting for Russia highlights the urgent need for safeguards against foreign recruitment of Indian nationals. As the war in Ukraine continues, India must strengthen its diplomatic and legal frameworks to protect its citizens abroad and ensure that no student or worker is forced into combat under duress.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified video footage, and diplomatic commentary. It does not constitute legal advice or political endorsement. Readers are advised to follow updates from the Ministry of External Affairs and official government channels for accurate information.