यूक्रेन युद्ध: रूस के लिए लड़ने से भारतीय लोग आहत

Ukraine war: The Indian men traumatized by fighting for Russia

In October of the previous year, David Moothappan encountered a Facebook advertisement promising lucrative security guard positions in Russia. The enticing monthly wage of 204,000 roubles ($2,201; £1,739) appealed greatly to the young fisherman from Kerala, India, who had dropped out of school.

Within weeks, Moothappan, aged 23, found himself thrust onto the front lines in Donetsk, a city under Russian control in eastern Ukraine. When asked about his harrowing experiences there, he solemnly recounts, "It's death and destruction everywhere."

Recently, he and another individual from Kerala managed to make their way back home, having been among the unfortunate Indians deceived by agents into fighting alongside Russian forces in the war with Ukraine. Many are still stranded in Russia, primarily hailing from impoverished backgrounds, enticed by promises of employment, sometimes even as mere "helpers" within the Russian military. Tragically, at least two Indians have lost their lives in this conflict.

India's foreign ministry has been actively engaged in efforts to repatriate its citizens ensnared in this web of deception, expressing grave concern over the matter. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has emphasized the gravity of the situation, labeling it "a matter of very, very deep concern" for India. Requests for comment have been sent to the Russian embassy in India by the BBC.

Mr. Moothappan, now back in his hometown of Pozhiyoor, Kerala, expresses relief at being home but struggles to erase the haunting memories of war. Recalling the gruesome scenes he witnessed, he recounts the horror of seeing body parts scattered around, an experience that left him distraught and physically ill.

Amidst the chaos, Moothappan sustained a broken leg around Christmas while deployed in a remote area. His family remained unaware of his plight during this ordeal. He endured a lengthy recovery process, spending months in various hospitals in Luhansk, Volgograd, and Rostov before finally achieving partial recuperation.

In March, with the assistance of fellow Indians, Moothappan managed to reach the Indian embassy in Moscow, which facilitated his journey back home.

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