'Forced to fight in war': Hyderabad man duped by agent, stranded near Russia-Ukraine border | VIDEO

Hyderabad: A 37-year-old man from Hyderabad, who travelled to Russia earlier this year in search of work, is now allegedly stranded near the Russia-Ukraine border and being forced to fight in the ongoing war, according to a plea from his family.

The man, Mohammed Ahmed, left for Russia in April 2025 after being promised a job in a construction company by a Mumbai-based agent; however, he found himself coerced into military training and deployment, his wife stated in a letter addressed to External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar.

Ahmed, in a video message sent to his family, revealed the dire situation he is facing.

“The place where I am is border and war is going on,” he said. “We four Indians refused to go (into the warzone). They threatened us to fight and pointed a weapon at me and another person. There is plaster on my leg. Don't leave the agent. The agent trapped and brought me here (Russia). The agent did not offer me work.”

According to his wife, Ahmed and around 30 others were taken to a remote location after arriving in Russia, where they were forcibly trained in the use of weapons. Following the training, 26 of them were reportedly transported to the frontline.

Fearing for his life, Ahmed jumped off an army vehicle en route to the conflict zone, which resulted in a fractured leg. Despite his injuries and refusal to fight, he continues to face death threats unless he agrees to join the war.

Desperate for assistance, Ahmed’s wife met with AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi in Hyderabad on Thursday, urging him to intervene and help bring her husband back home. Owaisi subsequently wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), seeking urgent action to repatriate Ahmed and ensure his safety.

In response, an official from the Indian Embassy in Moscow informed Owaisi that the Embassy has taken note of Ahmed’s case and is actively coordinating with Russian authorities. They have also requested for ensuring his early discharge from the Russian Army and safe repatriation to India.

"The Embassy has been following up on all cases of Indian nationals in the Russian Army on priority," the official said.

The official assured that Ahmed’s family will be kept informed of further developments.