Who is Sahil Majothi? Indian student ‘framed’ by Russia into joining war, now in Ukrainian custody

A 22-year-old from Gujarat, , has become the first known to be detained in the Ukraine war after he was reportedly forced into fighting for Russia to avoid a prison sentence.

Majothi was captured by Ukrainian forces and featured in a viral video posted by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade, where he explained his situation.

Majothi told the Ukrainian troops that he joined the Russian army after being allegedly framed in a drug case in April 2024. “I didn't want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for the 'special military operation'. But I wanted to get out of there,” he said in the video.

How Russia tricked Majothi into joining military

Sahil's mother, Hasina Majothi, told BBC News that her son moved to Russia in January 2024, completed a language course in St. Petersburg, and later relocated to Moscow for college. While studying, he also worked as a kitchenware courier part-time job.

In April, Hasina claims someone slipped drugs into a package he was delivering. “The police caught him with it and charged him,” she said. He was arrested and sentenced to seven years in a Russian prison.

A complicated situation of do or die

Majothi explained that he was given a choice: fight for Russia or remain in jail. He received promises of payment ranging from 100,000 to over a million roubles but never received any money. After just 15 days of basic training in September 2024, he was deployed to the war zone. On 1 October, just one day after his first combat mission, he had an altercation with his commander and decided to surrender to Ukrainian forces. “I came across a Ukrainian trench position about 2-3 kilometres away. I immediately put down my rifle and said that I didn't want to fight. I needed help,” he said. Majothi added, “I don't want to go back to Russia. There is no truth there, nothing. I'd rather go to prison here.”

Fate of Majothi and many Indians remains uncertain

In September, the MEA had raised concerns over the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army, warning of the risks and dangers involved. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government had contacted Russian authorities in Delhi and Moscow to halt the practice and secure the release of Indian citizens.

This case follows reports of two other Indian men allegedly misled to Russia under the pretext of construction jobs and then deployed on the frontlines. Families from Haryana claimed their relatives were forced into military service with minimal training, losing phone access, and facing life-threatening conditions.

Majothi’s detainment has prompted Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad to question his family. His mother appealed to authorities, saying, “We appeal to the government to bring back Sahil and other young Indians who went abroad seeking work.” Majothi remains in Ukrainian custody, hoping for a resolution that will allow him to return safely to India.