Endured bombings, missiles, Russian soldiers’ friendly fire: Indian survivor of Ukrainian war front describes harrowing ordeal

“I am thankful to the Indian government for their efforts in getting us out safely,” Sufiyan expressed.

After nearly nine months of terror and uncertainty, Mohammad Sufiyan, a 22-year-old from Telangana, returned to a heartfelt reception in Narayanpet on Friday. His return comes about seven months after a distressing video plea from the Russia-Ukraine border captured global attention.

Sufiyan was greeted by his family and friends alongside three young men from Karnataka, all victims of a fraudulent recruitment scheme that promised them secure jobs but instead led them into the heart of a war zone. According to reports from the Times of India, the men were among at least 60 Indian youths deceived by an unscrupulous agent who lured them with promises of work as security personnel or office helpers in Russia.

"We were told we would be working in Moscow, but as soon as we arrived, everything changed," Sufiyan recounted while speaking to The Indian Express. The young men were sent to a military camp and forced into intensive training with Russian troops, where they learned to handle firearms and undergo gruelling physical drills. “It was terrifying – drones dropping bombs, bullets flying around,” Sufiyan said. “I was afraid for my life at every moment.”

Their plight worsened after the death of Hemil Mangukiya from Gujarat, who was killed in a drone strike in February along with 23 Russian soldiers, The Indian Express report adds. This tragic event led some recruits to refuse frontline duty. In retaliation, they were subjected to harsh punishment, including digging trenches and spending nights in freezing conditions without adequate supplies.

Sufiyan described the relentless fear and struggle for survival. “Every day was a constant battle to stay alive,” he said. “We had to endure bombings, missile strikes, and even friendly fire from Russian soldiers trying to intimidate us.”

On September 6, Sufiyan and his fellow detainees received the long-awaited news that they were being dismissed from service. They were transported back to Moscow, where the Indian Embassy arranged their return to New Delhi. The journey back was bittersweet; while their promised monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh was only partially paid and used for survival necessities, the relief of returning home overshadowed financial concerns.

“I am thankful to the Indian government for their efforts in getting us out safely,” Sufiyan expressed. “I spent eight terrifying months fighting someone else’s war. I’m never leaving my family again.”

Alongside Sufiyan, Mohammed Ilyas Sayed Hussaini, Mohammed Samir Ahmed, and Naeem Ahmed from Gulbarga also landed at Hyderabad airport, welcomed by their families. Additionally, two other Indian nationals, one from Kashmir and another from Kolkata, returned to their homes on the same day.