Indian student fighting for Russia surrenders: Ukraine releases video

Ukraine's 63rd Mechanized Brigade released a video on Tuesday stating that Majoti had been sentenced to 7 years in prison in a drug case. To avoid jail, he was offered to join the Russian army. Majoti said in the video that he did not want to go to jail, so he signed a contract with the Russian army. He was given only 16 days of training and was sent to war for the first time on October 1.

Three days later, after an argument with his commander, he surrendered to the Ukrainian army. The student said - I laid down my arms and said that I don't want to fight, I need help. He said all these things in Russian.

Majoti said that he does not want to go back to Russia. He also stated that he was promised money to join the army, but he received nothing.

Ukraine has captured several foreign soldiers fighting for Russia. According to media reports, Russia recruited people from countries like India by luring them with jobs or studies.

The Indian government had demanded Russia to stop recruiting Indians into its army. It also stated that Indian citizens already serving in the army should be released.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had advised the public not to pay attention to any offer of recruitment into the Russian army as it involves risk.

·         Stay away from proposals to join the Russian army: Randhir Jaiswal said that we request our citizens to be vigilant. Indian citizens are appealed to stay away from any proposal to join the Russian army.

·         We have seen the report: Answering a media question, he said that we have recently seen reports about the recruitment of Indian citizens into the Russian army. The government has highlighted the dangers associated with such cases on several occasions over the past year.

·         Demanded the return of citizens: He further added - We have also raised this matter with Russian authorities in both Delhi and Moscow. We have appealed for this practice to be stopped. Our citizens should be sent back.

Ministry of External Affairs had stated - 12 Indians died in Ukraine war

12 Indians fighting on Russia's side have died in Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs had given this information in January. So far, cases of 126 Indian citizens joining the Russian army have come to light.

Out of these, 96 people have returned to India. There are reports of 18 Indian citizens still stranded in Russia, out of which no information has been found about 16.