New Delhi/Moscow, December 22, 2025— A 22-year-old man from Gujarat’s Morbi town, who was captured by Ukrainian forces while allegedly fighting for the Russian military, has sent an emotional video message to his family, seeking urgent help from the Indian government for his release.
The youth, identified as Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi, appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government, urging them to intervene and facilitate his return to India. In the video, which his mother received on her mobile phone, Majothi claimed he was deceived into joining the Russian military and later surrendered to Ukrainian forces amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Majothi, who said he travelled to Russia in 2024 to pursue higher education, alleged that he was falsely implicated in a drug-related case and sentenced to seven years in prison. According to him, while serving his jail term, he was offered a deal by Russian authorities to sign a military contract in exchange for relief from punishment.
“I was not involved in the drug case, yet I was sentenced to seven years. During my time in jail, some Russian police officers lured me into signing a war contract. That was my biggest mistake,” he said in the video. He also cautioned Indian youths planning to travel to Russia to remain alert and avoid falling prey to scams.
The Ukrainian military had earlier, in October, released a video announcing Majothi’s surrender. In his latest message, the Morbi resident pleaded for help, saying he wished to return home and reunite with his family.
Speaking to reporters, his mother Hasinaben said she received the video two days ago through Telegram. She claimed her son was framed on false charges and appealed to both the Indian and Ukrainian governments for his release on humanitarian grounds. Expressing faith in the Indian authorities, she said she was confident her son would be brought back safely.
Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, Kesridevsinh Jhala, said the Ministry of External Affairs was aware of the matter and was actively working on it. He added that both Members of Parliament and the Gujarat government had taken up the issue with the Centre.
“Efforts are underway to bring him back. Matters related to external affairs are complex and take time, but the government has assured us that it is working to find a solution,” Jhala said.
The case adds to growing concerns over Indian nationals allegedly being misled into conflict zones under false pretences, prompting renewed calls for greater awareness and diplomatic intervention.
