13 men who left for Russia last year, three have died in the war, two have returned injured, and eight remain missing
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict nears its third anniversary, a harrowing link has emerged with Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh and Mau districts. Dozens of men, promised lucrative jobs as security guards and helpers in Russia, were instead thrust into the battlefield, leaving families shattered.
Of the 13 men who left for Russia last year, three have died in the war, two have returned injured, and eight remain missing. Families are now pleading for government intervention to bring their loved ones home and hold the recruiters accountable.
From Jobs To Warfare
The men were reportedly offered security guard roles with a promised salary of ₹2 lakh per month. Upon arriving in Russia, however, they were coerced into signing agreements in Russian and forced into military training.
Rakesh Yadav from Azamgarh, one of the survivors who returned home, recounted, “We were told the training was for self-defence, but we were being prepared for war. The agents completely deceived us.”
Devastating Losses
The promises of a better life turned into heartbreak for many families. Kanhaiya Yadav of Azamgarh, who went for a cook’s job, succumbed to war injuries in December 2024. “He told me in May that he was injured and receiving treatment. After that, we lost all contact,” said his son, Ajay.
Shyamsundar and Sunil Yadav from Mau met similar fates, leaving their families grappling with grief.
Unanswered Questions For Missing
For the families of eight missing men, the agony is unending. Yogendra Yadav’s brother, Ashish, said, “He left home in January 2024 with promises of a security guard job but was sent to the battlefield instead. We last spoke to him in May 2024 when he told us he was injured. Since then, there’s been no word.”
Nasreen, the mother of Azharuddin Khan from Azamgarh, recalled her last conversation with her son in April 2024. “He said he’d return home in six months. It’s been nearly a year, and we’ve heard nothing,” she said, tearfully.
Government Confirms Casualties
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reported that 96 out of 126 Indians known to have served in the Russian armed forces have returned home. However, 18 remain enlisted, with 16 categorised as “missing.”
“Twelve Indian nationals have died while serving with the Russian military, and another 16 are unaccounted for,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
In August 2024, the Russian Defence Ministry announced it would no longer recruit individuals from several countries, including India, for military service.
Demand For Justice
The affected families are calling for the Indian government to act swiftly to locate the missing and bring them back. They also seek action against the agents who exploited their loved ones.
“The agents promised us security guard jobs but sent them to war instead. They need to be held accountable,” said Indu Prakash, whose son is among the missing.
As families wait for answers, their plight underscores the dire consequences of exploitation and the human toll of conflict.
