Gujarat youth Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya killed in Ukrainian drone strike

In a heart-wrenching incident near the tumultuous Russia-Ukraine border, a young Indian national, Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya, aged 23, from Gujarat state, has been reported killed in a Ukrainian drone strike in the Donetsk region. Mangukiya, who was reportedly employed as a security helper by the Russian army, embarked on his perilous journey in December 2023, only to meet a tragic fate. This incident sheds light on the darker aspects of the ongoing war in Ukraine, revealing the involvement of foreign nationals in conflicts far from their homelands.

The revelation that over 100 Indians have been recruited to fight in Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has sparked widespread concern, acknowledged by India’s foreign ministry. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), through spokesman Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed the employment of Indian nationals in support roles within the Russian Army, highlighting efforts for their early discharge.

The narrative of Indians being treated unfairly by Russian authorities and being duped into joining the Wagner Group, a private military company previously controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the situation. The Indian government’s recent plea for nationals to steer clear of war zones underscores the perilous nature of such engagements.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now marked by the relentless pounding of the eastern European nation, brings to light the immense human cost and displacement faced by millions. Amidst these tumultuous times, the story of Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya serves as a somber reminder of the far-reaching impact of war, touching lives beyond the immediate conflict zones and sparking a dialogue on the involvement of foreign nationals in distant wars.