The Indian government cautioned its citizens against job offers in the Russian army, as some men from India and other South Asian countries were being recruited by a network of agents and visa consultants. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India uncovered this network that promised jobs in Russia to the recruits. The Ministry of External Affairs felt it was crucial to warn citizens living far away from Russia due to the increasing reports of men signing up to fight in exchange for payment.
Desperately low on troops for its protracted war with Ukraine, the Russian military is relying on men from countries like India to fill its ranks. Journalist Shalu Yadav tells the story of a man who was tricked into joining the army and managed to escape.
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Rob Byers, and guest-hosted by Haleema Shah.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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