There are reports of soldiers from various countries being recruited to fight in the war against Ukraine. It has been revealed that people from many countries have joined the Russian army and are participating in the conflict as mercenaries.
Recently, it was disclosed that even individuals from India have been recruited for the war effort. Additionally, it has been reported that two Indians who joined in this capacity have lost their lives in the conflict.
A special report from India
The Ministry of External Affairs of India has submitted a report indicating that it has informed Russian authorities to repatriate the bodies of two deceased individuals to India.
In addition, India has formally requested the Russian President’s assistance in combatting this smuggling activity.
It has also asked Russia to promptly release other Indian nationals recruited into the Russian army and return them to India.
However, the Indian authorities have not yet received a response from the Russian authorities and expect one soon.
A result of human trafficking
It has come to light that the recruitment of soldiers from various countries to fight in Ukraine involves human trafficking.
India has raised concerns about fraudulent individuals targeting Indian youth with false promises of high salaries.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has revealed that investigations have confirmed that these traffickers have also lured individuals with promises of Russian citizenship.
As a result, many people who were deceived by these smugglers have gone to Russia and joined the conflict in Ukraine, finding themselves in unsafe conditions.
Indian authorities have apprehended four suspects concerning the smuggling investigation between May and now.
It has been revealed that these individuals lured the youth to Russia under false pretences of educational and job opportunities, only to coerce them into military service.
Many countries, including Sri Lanka, Nepal are caught in the smuggling
There have been similar incidents reported in several countries, including Sri Lanka and Nepal, indicating that the youth from these countries have joined the Russian and Ukrainian forces.
Nepal has confirmed that 20 of its citizens have died in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, while Sri Lanka reported 16 Sri Lankans deceased on the battlefield.
In response, Sri Lankan authorities have detained 9 suspects, including former military officers, in connection with human trafficking and have initiated legal proceedings to remand them.
The government of Sri Lanka has also announced that a delegation of senior officials will visit Russia by the end of this month to aid Sri Lankans stranded in Russia.
Russia’s response
Foreign Minister Ali Sabri discussed the issue with the Russian Foreign Minister in Moscow. The Russian authorities have assured that they will investigate the matter and take steps to prevent the recruitment of Sri Lankans into the Russian army.
The main suspect is hiding in Poland
The main suspect in a smuggling case in Sri Lanka has been identified as ‘Chathuranga’. Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department has discovered that he earned money by fraudulently sending people abroad from Sri Lanka.
The suspect has fled to Poland through Russia and is currently in hiding after his involvement in sending retired soldiers to the Russian war was revealed.
The Criminal Investigation Department is seeking assistance from the International Police to apprehend the suspect.
Additionally, 402 complaints have been received by the department, requesting help for individuals affected by the Russian-Ukrainian war due to this human trafficking operation.
