Kupwara Man Goes Missing After Deceptive Recruitment into Russia-Ukraine War

Zahoor Sheikh’s disappearance in Russia highlights a troubling pattern of Indian nationals being misled into joining the Russia-Ukraine conflict under false promises of lucrative jobs.

A 27-year-old man from Kupwara district in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has gone missing in Russia after being tricked into joining the Russia-Ukraine war under the false promise of a high-paying job. Zahoor Sheikh, originally from Karnah, made his last contact with his family on December 31, 2023, informing them he would be undergoing “training” and would be unreachable for the next three months. Since then, all communication has stopped, leaving his family in the dark and desperate for answers.

Zahoor’s father, Mohammad Amin Sheikh, shared that his son had been earning INR 30,000 a month before he was lured by agents who promised a better future in Russia. Upon arriving in Russia, Zahoor discovered he, along with several other Indian nationals, had been coerced into fighting in the war alongside Russian forces. His dreams of a better life had quickly turned into a nightmare.

Since Zahoor’s disappearance, Mohammad Amin has tirelessly reached out to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Moscow, but his efforts have been in vain. “It has been over a year with no trace of my son. He sought a better future, but instead, he has become a victim of deceit,” Mohammad Amin lamented. His frustration is shared by many other families, as Zahoor’s case is not isolated.

The Indian government has confirmed 12 deaths and 16 missing cases among Indian nationals involved in the conflict, with many others reportedly deployed by Russian forces. According to reports, these individuals were misled into joining the war under the pretense of working as “army security helpers.” The growing number of such cases has sparked public outcry, with demands for urgent action to locate and repatriate those affected.

Families of the missing individuals, like Zahoor’s, continue to grapple with uncertainty and anguish. The exploitation of vulnerable workers under false promises of well-paying jobs has highlighted a disturbing pattern of deception, leaving many people stranded in a war zone with no way out.

This tragic situation has raised questions about the role of recruitment agents and the responsibilities of both the Indian and Russian governments in protecting foreign nationals from exploitation. As Zahoor’s family continues their search for answers, they join countless others in calling for swift intervention and the safe return of those who have been misled into this deadly conflict.