Overview
- A video released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanised Brigade shows Sahil Majothi stating he was told to enlist in Russia’s army or serve seven years in prison on drug charges that his family says were fabricated.
- Majothi says he received roughly 15 days of basic training, was deployed, became separated from his unit within a day, and then surrendered to Ukrainian troops.
- Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad questioned family members after the video went viral and confirmed his earlier arrest and detention in Russia.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs has opened an investigation, with several specifics of the timing and location in the video yet to be independently verified.
- The case has refocused attention on reported recruitment of Indian nationals into Russian forces, with media citing more than 150 enlistees, at least 12 deaths, and earlier Indian requests for Moscow to repatriate 27 citizens.