Kerala man working at Russian military camp killed after Ukraine attack

Thiruvananthapuram: A Malayali was reportedly killed in Russia following a Ukraine attack.

Sandeep, 36, of Nayarangadi in Thrissur was reported killed. He was said to be working for the Russian military.

While an official intimation was still awaited, his family received information regarding the incident on Sunday from Malayali associations. Several Russian military personnel were also reported killed.

According to local sources, Sandeep along with some others were recruited for a restaurant job in Moscow in April. After reaching Russia they were made to join the Russian military.

Sandeep also apparently obtained Russian citizenship.

Ajith Kolaserry, chief executive officer of Kerala government's agency for NRKs welfare, NORKA-Roots, said that even as there is no official confirmation on the incident, the Indian embassy in Russia had "informally confirmed" the matter.

Several youths from the country, including Keralites, were reportedly forced to join the Russian military after being duped by illegal recruiting agents by offering other jobs. Couple of youths from Kerala managed to return to the states a few months back, while many others were still believed to be stranded in Russia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken up the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his recent visit to Moscow and the latter had accepted the request for the release of all Indian citizens currently working with the Russian Army in the battlegrounds in Ukraine as members of the support staff.