Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, states Kyiv has no evidence of Indians in Russian military
A week after reports of an Indian citizen from Kerala, Binil TB, dying while fighting for Russian forces in the Ukraine war, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, confirmed that Ukraine has not received confirmation of Indian nationals fighting for Russia. Speaking virtually from Kyiv, Yermak acknowledged that citizens from various nations had been duped into joining Russian forces, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Yermak emphasizes that Ukraine is open and transparent about identifying foreign fighters for Russia, and diplomatic actions are taken when confirmed.
Yermak pointed out that while Ukraine is aware of citizens from countries like North Korea and Cuba being misled into fighting for Russia, no similar confirmation has been made regarding Indian nationals.
Yermak assured that once confirmation is received, Ukraine addresses it through diplomatic channels with the respective country
Binil, along with others, is believed to have been promised jobs in Europe or enlisted in Russia’s military support services by intermediaries. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), there are 126 cases of Indians serving in Russian forces, with 96 returning to India. However, 12 Indians have died in the conflict, and 16 others remain missing.
Yermak also urged India’s support in the return of Ukrainian children forcibly deported by Russia, highlighting that approximately 20,000 children have been taken from Russian-occupied territories and placed in Russia’s foster care and adoption system. He added that President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Modi have discussed the matter, and India has expressed willingness to assist in bringing the children back.
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