Indian National Captured in Ukraine After Fighting for Russian Army: Who is Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein?

A 22-year-old Indian man, identified as Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein from Morbi, Gujarat, has reportedly been captured by Ukrainian forces while allegedly fighting for the Russian army. The shocking development has raised concerns in India, as officials work to verify the authenticity of reports emerging from Ukrainian media. According to The Kyiv Independent, Hussein initially traveled to Russia for higher education. However, circumstances took a dramatic turn when he was reportedly sentenced to seven years in a Russian prison on drug-related charges. While serving time, Hussein was offered a way out: sign a contract to fight in Russia’s so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine. In a video released by Ukraine's 63rd Mechanised Brigade — the unit that captured him — Hussein explained his journey. Speaking candidly, he said, “I didn’t want to stay in prison, so I signed the contract to fight. But I wanted to get out of there.” According to Hussein, he received just 16 days of basic military training before being deployed to the frontlines on October 1. After three days of intense combat, he claimed he got into a conflict with his commander. Desperate to escape, he approached a Ukrainian trench located about 2 to 3 kilometers away, where he laid down his weapon and surrendered. “I said I didn’t want to fight and that I needed help,” Hussein told Ukrainian troops. He also alleged that the promises made by the Russian military — particularly financial compensation — were never fulfilled. “There is no truth in Russia, nothing. I don’t want to go back. I’d rather be in prison here (in Ukraine),” he added. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged reports about Hussein but has yet to confirm them officially. Sources told NDTV, “We are ascertaining the veracity of the report. We have not yet received any formal communication from the Ukrainian side in this regard.” This incident highlights a disturbing trend of foreign nationals, including Indians, being lured or coerced into joining the Russian military. Many are offered the promise of lucrative jobs, fast-tracked citizenship, or early release from prison sentences — offers that often turn out to be misleading or false. Earlier this year, the Indian government revealed that at least 12 Indian nationals had died while fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine. Out of the 126 Indians believed to have been misled into going to Russia, 16 remain missing. The Indian government has since lodged a strong protest with Moscow and urged the early release of Indian citizens involved in the conflict. Despite these developments, India has maintained a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war. New Delhi has refrained from joining Western-led sanctions against Moscow and continues to call for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the conflict. As for Hussein, his future remains uncertain. While he awaits clarity on his legal and diplomatic status, his story serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by young individuals who are caught between global conflicts, manipulation, and desperate personal circumstances.

NEWS