Ukrainian media on Tuesday reported that a 22-year-old Indian national, allegedly serving in the Russian army, has been captured by Ukrainian forces. The man, identified as Majoti Sahil Mohammed from Morbi in Gujarat, was reportedly taken prisoner during ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
Indian authorities verifying reports
While several Ukrainian news outlets have published details of the incident, Indian authorities have not yet confirmed the detention. Government sources said that the Indian Embassy in Kyiv has not received any official communication from Ukrainian authorities regarding Mohammed’s capture.
“Our mission in Kyiv is trying to verify the facts through available channels,” said a government source familiar with the matter. “We are aware of reports circulating in Ukrainian media, but confirmation is still awaited.”
Last month, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had acknowledged that at least 27 Indian nationals were serving in the Russian army. The ministry had also issued an advisory urging Indian citizens to avoid recruitment offers to join foreign armed forces, warning that such arrangements carried “serious risks to safety and life.”
Reports suggest forced enlistment
According to Ukrainian outlet The Kyiv Independent, Majoti Sahil Mohammed claimed that he had initially travelled to Russia for studies but was later forced to join the Russian army after being convicted on drug-related charges. In a video released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanised Brigade, Mohammed said he was sentenced to seven years in prison and was offered a chance to serve in the military to escape further punishment.
“I did not want to fight. I only wanted to survive,” he was quoted as saying in the video. “I need help and I want to return to India. I don’t want to go back to Russia; there is no truth there.”
Claims of unpaid promises
Reports by Ukrainian media outlets such as Ukrainska Pravda suggested that Mohammed had been promised early release and payment ranging between RUB 100,000 and 1.5 million (approximately ₹1 lakh to ₹18 lakh) in exchange for one year of service. However, he allegedly never received any money during his time with Russian forces.
The video reportedly shows Mohammed surrendering to Ukrainian troops and requesting protection under international law. Ukrainian authorities have yet to issue an official statement on his status or treatment as a prisoner of war.
India’s warning against joining foreign forces
The MEA has repeatedly cautioned Indian nationals against recruitment into the Russian army. Several reports over the past year indicated that Indians were being lured through fraudulent job offers, often under the guise of logistics or security roles, only to be deployed in active conflict zones.
The government has since taken up the issue with Moscow, seeking the early discharge and safe return of Indian citizens serving in combat roles.
In June, at least two Indian nationals were confirmed dead while fighting for the Russian army, prompting the Centre to tighten its advisories and intensify diplomatic efforts.
No official confirmation yet
As of Tuesday night, neither Russia nor Ukraine has formally notified the Indian government about Mohammed’s capture. Officials said the Indian Embassy is coordinating with both sides to gather reliable information.
The MEA is expected to release a formal statement once details are confirmed through diplomatic channels.
Conclusion
The case of Majoti Sahil Mohammed has once again highlighted the growing concern over Indians getting trapped in foreign military recruitment networks amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and to report any suspicious overseas employment offers that could endanger their lives.