A young Indian student, caught in the devastating conflict in Ukraine, has issued a desperate video appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government, pleading for help to return home. The student, identified as Faizan Abdullah from Hyderabad, revealed a shocking detail: he was forced to sign a contract to secure his release from a Ukrainian detention facility, only to find himself stranded and in peril.
A Desperate Plea from a War Zone
In an emotional video message that has since gone viral, Faizan Abdullah directly addresses the Indian Prime Minister. "Modi sir, please help me," he implores, his voice laden with distress. The student explains his dire situation, stating he has been stuck in Ukraine for an extended period with no means to escape the ongoing war. His appeal underscores the extreme vulnerability of foreign nationals, particularly students, who remain in active conflict zones long after initial evacuation efforts have concluded.
The core of his harrowing account involves his experience with local authorities. Faizan claims he was detained and, in order to be released from what he describes as "prison," he was compelled to sign a contractual document. The exact nature and terms of this contract remain unclear, but his mention of it highlights the complex and potentially exploitative situations Indians can face in a country under martial law and severe duress.
The Ongoing Struggle for Stranded Indians
Faizan's case is not isolated. While the Indian government executed Operation Ganga in 2022 to evacuate thousands of its citizens following Russia's invasion, a small number of students and others have remained behind for various reasons. Some, like Faizan, may have faced legal or administrative hurdles, while others might have chosen to stay initially but now find exit routes sealed or impossibly dangerous.
His plea brings renewed attention to the fate of these stranded individuals. The video appeal, made in December 2023, indicates that for over a year and a half since the war began, some Indians are still living under constant threat, with dwindling resources and hope. The situation is exacerbated by the breakdown of normal legal and administrative processes in Ukraine, leaving foreigners with little recourse or protection.
Government Response and the Path Forward
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has consistently advised all its nationals to leave Ukraine immediately since the outbreak of the war. However, cases involving legal complications present a significant challenge. The Indian embassy in Ukraine, which was temporarily relocated, continues to operate and provide consular assistance where possible.
Faizan's specific mention of Hyderabad has prompted local community leaders and political figures from Telangana to amplify his call for help. They are urging the central government to intervene directly and negotiate with Ukrainian authorities to facilitate his safe passage. This case tests the limits of diplomatic channels in an active war, where standard protocols are often suspended.
The key demands from Faizan and his supporters are clear:
- Immediate intervention by the Indian government to verify his status and location.
- Diplomatic efforts to resolve any legal issues stemming from the alleged contract or detention.
- Securing a safe and guaranteed corridor for his repatriation to India.
This distressing appeal serves as a stark reminder that the human cost of the Ukraine war extends far beyond its borders. For families in India, the anxiety is relentless. Faizan Abdullah's story underscores the urgent need for sustained, case-by-case diplomatic efforts to bring every remaining Indian citizen home from the conflict, no matter how complex their individual circumstances may be.
