Russia-Ukraine war: Kerala duo forced to serve in Russian Army, sent to frontlines, say they are ‘mentally and physically…’

Several Indian nationals were forced to submit their passports, offered permanent residency, and coerced into joining the Russian army, ultimately being pushed to work on the frontlines of the ongoing war.

32-year-old Binil T B and his 27-year-old cousin-in-law Jain T K are stuck in Russia, unsure of where to turn for help. The duo, who hail from Wadakkanchery in Kerala’s Thrissur district, are desperately seeking to return home. Binil and Jain are now Russian soldiers, fighting against the Ukrainian Army. Notably, both men are among several Indian youths who travelled to Russia in April for small jobs in the Russian military support service as plumbers, drivers, electricians, or cooks. However, they were forced to submit their passports, offered permanent residency, and coerced into joining the country’s army, ultimately being pushed to work on the frontlines of the ongoing war with Ukraine.

In a series of voice messages, Binil told The Indian Express that he and his cousin-in-law have been trying to contact the Indian embassy in Moscow in order to return home.

“Mentally and physically, we are exhausted,” Binil, who worked as an electrician back home, said in his message. “We are now in difficult terrain in the Russia-occupied territory of Ukraine. Our commander says that the contract was for a year. We have been pleading with local commanders for our release. The Indian Embassy is of the view that unless the Russian army relieves us, they cannot help. The Embassy says we should be taken back to Russian territory,’’ The Indian Express quoted Binil as saying.

100-Odd Indians Hoodwinked Into Fighting In War

It is noteworthy that, Binil and Jain are not the only Indians facing trouble in Russia. Around 100 Indians are allegedly dealing with the same issue, having been hoodwinked into fighting in the war. Many of these individuals come from poor families and were lured with promises of a good job in the military as helpers, with a salary of up to Rs 2.5 lakh per month.

Besides Binil and Jain, about 10 more Indian youths have tried to contact the Indian Embassy over the past few months. However, it is learned that Indian officials are in talks with Russian authorities for the release of Indian nationals, The Indian Express reported, citing sources.

Russia Promised An Early Release

In July, Russia made a promise to hasten the release of all Indian nationals who are part of their military ranks. This pledge came to light post the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the awe-inspiring city of Moscow, where he exchanged words about this matter with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. So far, around 45 Indians have embraced their sweet homecoming, while a few are getting through the red tape of paperwork.

“We are staying in camps not far away from the first line of battle. We have to carry food and other items, including thermal jackets, for the force for 8-10 km. The luggage weighs about 15 kg but we have to move fast due to the threat from air-borne attacks. They can send us to the first line of fight at any time,” Binil told the Indian Express.

Their duos’ duties included carrying injured and dead from the battleground back to the camp.

The duo journeyed to Russia with the help of a private visa, which was arranged by a family member serving in the Russian Army. The family member was part of the plethora of Indians who, after a bit of a predicament, were discharged by the Moscow authorities thanks to interference from the Indian government in the early stages of this year.

In June, they lost their documents while moving camps.

Kerala Government’s Intervention

Sandeep, a native of Thrissur, lost his life in a deadly drone attack. The attack happened while Sandeep was supplying food to the war zone.

Taking action over the death the Kerala government urged the Union Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and bring back Indian nationals, especially Keralites, who are still stuck at the war front.