Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, reports have emerged about Indian citizens being lured into the warzone. A recent disclosure by a Russian hacker group has unveiled information about foreign fighters participating in the conflict, shedding light on the involvement of Indians on the battlefield.
Foreign Fighters in Ukraine
Since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022, approximately 13,196 foreign fighters have joined the Ukrainian forces to combat Russian aggression. Tragically, 5,878 of these fighters have lost their lives. Among the deceased is an Indian citizen, underscoring the global reach of this conflict.
Information Leak by Russian Hackers
The Russian hacker group RHDIT released detailed data on these foreign fighters. According to their information, mercenaries from 36 European countries and 22 Asian countries, including India, have been involved in the conflict. Poland tops the list with 2,960 of its citizens participating, followed by the United States with 1,113 fighters. Asian countries like Georgia have also contributed significantly, with 1,042 Georgian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, 561 of whom have died.
Indian Citizens in the Conflict
The data reveals that 15 Indian citizens have travelled to Ukraine to fight against Russian forces. One of these individuals has been killed. This involvement of Indians in a distant conflict raises questions about their motivations and the circumstances leading to their participation. There have been instances where some Indians approached the Ukrainian Embassy in Delhi, expressing a desire to join the fight, but subsequent information about their involvement has been sparse.
Russian Involvement and Forced Recruitment
Reports indicate that around 20 Indian citizens are fighting on behalf of the Russian army in Ukraine. Some of these individuals have allegedly appealed to the Indian government for rescue, claiming they were forcibly recruited. As reported previously during the recent visit to Moscow, this was discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin who agreed to assist in addressing the matter.
Global Call for Fighters
At the start of the conflict, the Ukrainian army, facing a numerical disadvantage, called for fighters from around the world to join their cause. This call led to the enlistment of approximately 13,000 foreign fighters, including many former soldiers and commandos of Special Forces, driven by various motivations, including monetary gain.
Heavy Losses and Ongoing Conflict
The Ukrainian military has suffered significant losses since the conflict began, both in terms of territory and personnel. President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged earlier this year that around 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died, although the number of injured remains undisclosed. The shortage of soldiers has led Ukraine to ban all male citizens from leaving the country, ensuring they are available for military service if needed.
Bottomline
The involvement of Indian citizens in the Russia-Ukraine conflict highlights the far-reaching impact of this war and raises serious concerns about the circumstances under which these individuals are lured into overseas conflicts.