Archive · 23 Sep 2025
Indian Student Allegedly Forced Into Russian Army
Rakesh Kumar, from Uttarakhand, India, went to Russia to study.
He was allegedly forced to join the Russian army and fight in the war in Ukraine.
His family last heard from him on August 30 when he told them he was being sent to the war.
He informed them his passport and documents were taken.
They also reported his emails were deleted.
The family contacted the Indian government for help to get him back home.
This is not the first time such incidents have happened.
Rakesh Kumar, from Uttarakhand, went to Russia to study but was allegedly forced into the Russian army.
He informed his family he was being sent to the war in Ukraine.
Family last spoke with him on August 30, 2024.
His passport and personal papers were taken, and his emails deleted.
The MEA has urged Russia to stop recruiting Indians into its military.
- Who
- Rakesh Kumar, a 30-year-old from Uttarakhand
- What
- Allegedly forced to join the Russian army to fight in Ukraine.
- When
- Last contacted family August 30, 2024.
- Where
- Russia, allegedly sent to Ukraine.
- Why
- Reportedly recruited into the Russian army against his will.
- Missing Person
- Rakesh Kumar, 30
- Origin
- Uttarakhand, India
- Intended Purpose
- Higher Studies in Russia
- Location
- Russia; Allegedly Sent to Ukraine
- Last Contact
- August 30, 2024
- Actions Taken
- Family contacted MEA and Indian embassy
