Two Hisar youths feared trapped in Russia-Ukraine conflict; families plead for clarity

Uncertainty continues to surround the fate of two youths — Aman and Sonu, both 26 — from Madanheri village in Hisar’s Narnaund subdivision, who had gone to Russia in search of employment but were allegedly pushed into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Family members of the duo said they have been making desperate attempts to get official confirmation about their well-being. “We have been running from pillar to post for a week, contacting both Indian and Haryana Government authorities, but there has been no confirmation so far,” said Anil Kumar, brother of Sonu, speaking to ‘The Tribune’ over the phone from Delhi.

Kumar said he and other relatives have visited the Indian Embassy in Delhi three times and are currently staying in the city. “But there has been no information about them,” he said. He added that the family had received word that Sonu might have died in the war, “but it has not been confirmed by the authorities in the Indian government.”

Local MLA Jassi Petwar said he had reached out to MPs Deepender Hooda and Jai Prakash for assistance in obtaining verified information about the two youths. “The MPs will meet the Indian Embassy officials soon for further updates,” he said.

According to the families, Aman and Sonu had gone to Russia on study visas in June-July 2024 but were later lured into joining the Russian army. “They were promised jobs but were pushed to the Ukraine border instead,” Kumar alleged.

The families last spoke to Sonu on September 3, after which he went silent. Aman reportedly contacted his family about six days ago, but communication has since been lost again.

Adding to the family’s anguish, a photo purportedly showing a deceased individual was sent from Russia. However, the family said they were not convinced it was Sonu. “The person in the photograph had a tattoo on his hand. Sonu did not,” they said.

Aman’s grandfather, Subedar (retd) Omprakash Poonia, alleged that the youths were deceived by immigrant agents who took advantage of their expired visas. “Aman went to Russia on a study visa about a year ago. Once his visa ended, some agents promised jobs but instead got him and Sonu enlisted into the Russian army. They were then sent to military camps in Russian-occupied areas of the war zone,” he said.

Aman’s father, Vijender Poonia, said his son had told him over the phone that he was forced into military service and wanted to return home. “We only trust the Indian Government and the Indian embassy. We demand that they give us concrete, verified information about the situation of our sons,” he said.