Five Andhra Pradesh youths allegedly recruited into Russian military
The youngsters claim they were promised food-packing jobs but were instead sent towards the Russia-Ukraine border.
Five young men from north Andhra Pradesh, including residents of Visakhapatnam and Anakapalle district, have allegedly been recruited into the Russian military after travelling to the country for work, according to The Times of India.
J Vamsi, a 19-year-old from Duvvada in Visakhapatnam, and his friend Sateesh appeared in video messages wearing military uniforms to request help from the Indian and Andhra Pradesh governments.
Vamsi stated they were promised employment in food packing for the Russian Army by a person from Nepal, but they were instead directed to the Russia-Ukraine border.
He further claimed that they had signed Russian-language documents without knowing it would result in the loss of their Indian citizenship. Vamsi said that when they requested to go back to India, they were informed they were now Russian citizens.
Vamsi said three of the five youths were sent to the frontline nearly two months ago and their current locations are unknown. He expressed fear that they might be deployed to the battlefield soon.
Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh responded to the video on X and has instructed his office to coordinate with authorities to facilitate the safe and speedy return of the stranded youths.