Today, Explained

Conned into the Russian army

34 snips
Mar 18, 2024
Shalu Yadav, an independent journalist based in Delhi, dives into the alarming trend of South Asian men misled into joining the Russian army amidst its ongoing war with Ukraine. She recounts the gripping story of a recruit who escaped after realizing the grim deception behind his enlistment. Joining her is Sean McFate, a professor and expert on mercenaries, who discusses the chilling recruitment tactics and the ethical implications of using unsuspecting foreign fighters. Together, they explore the dark realities of modern warfare and the dangerous paths young men are forced to navigate.
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INSIGHT

Recruitment and Trafficking

  • Reports reveal South Asian men are being recruited to fight in Ukraine in exchange for pay.
  • India claims its citizens are being trafficked, not voluntarily signing up.
ANECDOTE

Sarfraz's Story

  • Sarfraz, from Kolkata, India, was lured to Russia with the promise of a security job.
  • He discovered it was a ploy to recruit him into the Russian army fighting in Ukraine.
INSIGHT

Scale of the Issue

  • Both Nepal and India have citizens trapped in Russia as a result of this recruitment scheme.
  • The exact numbers are unclear, with government figures likely underestimating the true scale.
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