Russia-Ukraine war: Missing Indians’ kin fight battle at home for their safe return

More than 10 families, many of them from Punjab, today protested at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for safe return of their loved ones from Russia-Ukraine warzone. “We are not asking for the moon. We just want to know if our kin are dead or alive,” said Jagdeep Kumar, whose younger brother, Mandeep Kumar, has been missing since March 2024. The aggrieved families said their loved ones were lured by agents, who promised them lucrative jobs in Europe. “We request you with folded hands to give information about the missing Indians in the Russian army. If no action is taken, we will be forced to protest twice a month,” read a letter sent by the protesters to the Ministry of External Affairs. “Indian Embassy in Moscow offered little assistance to those who went to Russia in search of their kin,” a wailing mother whispered. “I gave everything I had to bring my brother back. But I failed,” said Jagdeep, who alleged he was duped on the pretext of sending four people, including his brother from Armenia to Italy via Russia, Finland and Germany. Three among them sensed something was wrong and came back, suspecting the so-called ‘donkey route’ — a notorious path used for illegal migration. “My brother was still abroad. I got threatening videos from agents, who could be seen thrashing Mandeep and subsequently demanded more money,” said Jagdeep. Though an FIR was registered and a few agents were arrested, the network was still active, he said. Jagdeep last spoke to his brother on March 3, 2024. “He was scared. He told me they’d forced him into Russian army and he has begun training near the Ukrainian border,” he recalled. The protesters sought permission to head to Russia, with a letter signed from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, asking Indian diplomats to actively assist them. “Each passing day feels like a death sentence. We will not stop until we get answers,” said another protester.

Delhi