Indian Student Joins Russian Army to Escape Drug Charges in Ukraine Conflict

Thu Dec 18 2025 19:45:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Sahil Majothi, a 22-year-old Indian student, has been captured by Ukrainian forces after reportedly joining the Russian army to avoid drug-related prison time. His mother reveals his harrowing journey leading to his involvement in the ongoing conflict.

Sahil Majothi, a 22-year-old Indian from Gujarat, was captured by Ukrainian forces while serving in the Russian army, a move he took to escape drug charges in Russia. According to his mother, he was falsely accused and felt coerced into military service as an alternative to imprisonment. The Indian government is investigating the case amidst concerns about Indians being recruited into Russian military efforts.

Ukraine has captured an Indian national allegedly fighting for Russian forces, marking the first known Indian detainee in the ongoing war. Sahil Majothi, 22, from Gujarat, traveled to Russia to study computer engineering two years ago, but his life took a turn when he was accused of drug offenses. His mother claims he became involved with the Russian military to avoid jail time.

According to a video released by Ukraine's army, Mr. Majothi joined the Russian army after being faced with the choice of imprisonment for drug charges or military service. The Indian foreign ministry has acknowledged the situation and is currently investigating the matter.

In an interview conducted by BBC Gujarati, Ms. Hasina Majothi revealed that her son had gone to Russia in January 2024. He completed a language course in St. Petersburg before pursuing his studies in Moscow where he worked part-time. Ms. Hasina alleged that a parcel he was delivering contained drugs unbeknownst to him, which led to his wrongful charge and six-month detention.

Following his sentencing to seven years in prison, the family lost contact with him, only discovering his military involvement through viral video footage where he stated he was coerced into joining the Russian army with promises of pay.

Mr. Majothi underwent a short training period before being deployed to the battlefield, and soon after separating from his unit, he sought help from Ukrainian forces. The authenticity of the claims made in the video is currently unable to be independently verified.

In light of this situation, local officials in Gujarat have expressed concerns over the recruitment of Indian nationals in the Russian military amidst the ongoing conflict, appealing to the government for assistance in ensuring their safe return. As the Indian government continues to advise its citizens against participating in foreign military conflicts, the fate of Sahil Majothi and others remains uncertain.