Thrissur: Binil TB (32) and his relative Jain TK (27), hailing from Wadakancherry in Thrissur, say they are being forced to fight for the Russian army in that country's war against Ukraine. According to a voice clip they sent to their family members, the men claimed that the Russian military had instructed the duo to prepare for combat in the coming days. The army personnel have already distributed weapons and other supplies to them.

"Four from our group already left for the war front on Wednesday. The army is taking four people from our place at a time. Next is our turn," one of the youths said in a voice message to his family. Talking to Manorama News, their relative revealed that Binil and Jain are currently housed in an undisclosed location in Russian-occupied Ukraine. In addition to the two Thrissurites, six others are also in this camp, with four already left for the war front. As a result, both families are deeply concerned about the duo's safety.

“They are worried about their safety, as they are not trained fighters. According to their message, they will be taken to an isolated place where human habitation is dwindling,” a family member said.

Although the Indian Embassy intervened to repatriate them to India, the Russian army's non-cooperation has blocked their chances of returning. Both families have now sought the Indian government's intervention to save the youths from the warfront.

Binil and Jain joined the Russian army after being scammed by job recruiters. They signed a one-year contract for military support services such as electricians, plumbers, and cooks but have been forced to fight in the war.