Kerala youth killed in Russia-Ukraine war
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A young man from Kerala, identified as Binil Babu, who was serving in a Russian mercenary unit, has died in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
He hailed from Kuttanelur in the Thrissur district.
The news of his death was confirmed by the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department (Norka) and communicated to the Thrissur district administration. Another youth, Jain Kurien, who was injured in the conflict, is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow.
Binil's relatives stated that they had received official communication from the embassy. Jain, who was with him, informed his relatives that Binil was seriously injured in the shelling in Ukraine.
Binil Babu's death comes at a time when efforts are underway to rescue youths who have fallen victim to human trafficking and bring them back home.
Jain who is a native of Kurancherry, arrived in Moscow from areas of Ukraine occupied by Russia. He informed his family members about his arrival in Moscow via a WhatsApp call.
Jain was injured in the shelling in Ukraine and underwent treatment at a hospital there for a few days before being transferred to the hospital in Moscow two days ago. He even sent a photo of himself from the hospital to his relatives.
Binil and Jain traveled to Russia in April last year through a family friend. They were promised jobs as electricians, but it later became clear that they were trapped there. A Malayalee agent deceived them and put them with mercenaries.
A few months ago, Sandeep Chandran, a 36-year-old from Kallur Nayarangi in Thrissur, was killed in Ukraine during a shell attack while fighting alongside a Russian military unit.
Reports indicate that many young men are being lured into joining Russian mercenary units with the promise of lucrative salaries.
These youths, targeted by trafficking syndicates, have their passports and mobile phones confiscated. They receive minimal training before being sent to the warzone alongside soldiers.