Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has alleged that Russia is using citizens from 47 countries, including India, in its war against Ukraine, claiming some were brought to Russia through “deception and tricks”. Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, Zelenskyy appealed to the governments of these countries to protect their nationals and said, “Do not let Putin drag you into this war.”
His remarks come as India continues diplomatic efforts with Moscow over Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on August 31 that 227 Indian nationals had been recruited, of whom 139 had been discharged and 51 had died. India has said talks with Russia are continuing to secure the release and repatriation of those still serving.
Zelenskyy Raises Alarm Over Foreign Nationals
Addressing world leaders at the UN, Zelenskyy named India alongside Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan and South Africa among countries whose citizens he said were being used in the conflict. He alleged that some foreign nationals had ended up in Russia through “deception and tricks” before being sent to the battlefield.
“Take care of them and do not let them end up on another front,” Zelenskyy told representatives of the countries concerned. He added, “Do not let Putin drag you into this war,” while also calling for measures to limit Russia’s ability to finance and sustain the conflict. These are allegations made by the Ukrainian president, and do not independently establish how each foreign national was recruited.
51 Indians Reportedly Died While Serving
The issue has a significant Indian dimension. According to figures shared by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, 227 Indian nationals had been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Of these, 139 had been discharged, while 51 had died. India has been engaging with Moscow to secure the release and repatriation of the remaining nationals. The Indian government has also warned citizens against accepting risky employment offers linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The figures underline the human cost for Indian families whose relatives have become involved in a foreign war.
India’s Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Zelenskyy’s comments come amid wider diplomatic tensions surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war and India’s relationship with Moscow. In addition to raising concerns over foreign fighters, the Ukrainian president has called on countries including India to reduce economic support for Russia, particularly through energy trade. India, however, has maintained that its energy purchases are guided by national requirements and market considerations.
Meanwhile, New Delhi’s stated approach to Indian nationals serving in the Russian military has focused on diplomatic engagement with Moscow and bringing eligible citizens back home. The latest UN remarks have once again placed the safety of Indian nationals caught up in the conflict at the centre of international attention.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Wars rarely remain confined to the borders of the countries fighting them. Their consequences travel across continents, reaching families who may have had no connection to the conflict in the first place. For Indian families whose relatives have been recruited into the Russian armed forces, the Russia-Ukraine war can mean months of uncertainty, separation and fear, with some families having to cope with the loss of loved ones.
The concerns raised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also point to a wider humanitarian question: how can countries ensure that their citizens are not drawn into foreign conflicts without fully understanding the risks involved? Allegations of deceptive recruitment, alongside reports of Indians being offered employment opportunities that ultimately lead to military service, make transparency particularly important. Citizens considering overseas employment should have access to clear and verified information about the nature of the work, the organisation recruiting them and the risks they could face.
At the same time, the issue should not become another reason for hostility between people or nations. Governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens, while diplomatic channels can provide a way to seek the release and safe return of those caught in circumstances they did not fully anticipate. India’s continuing engagement with Russia over the discharge and repatriation of its nationals demonstrates why dialogue remains important even amid deep geopolitical disagreements.
Ultimately, behind every statistic is a person, a family and a life affected by war. Whether someone is a soldier, a civilian or a worker who became caught up in a conflict, their safety and dignity should remain central to any response. Greater transparency in overseas recruitment, stronger safeguards for migrant workers and sustained diplomatic engagement could help prevent more people from being exposed to the human cost of foreign wars.
How can governments, employers and international institutions work together to ensure that people seeking opportunities abroad do not unknowingly become caught up in conflicts?
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