Kerala Man Binil TB Died Fighting for Russian Army in Russia-Ukraine War

Binil TB, a 32-year-old man from Wadakkanchery, Kerala, has tragically lost his life on the frontlines in Ukraine while fighting for the Russian Army. The unfortunate incident occurred during a drone attack, leaving another Indian national, Jain TK, injured. Both men had been enlisted to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. They were being allegedly lured by false promises of job opportunities.

Binil and Jain had arrived in Russia in early 2024. They were initially recruited under the guise of securing jobs as electricians. However, upon arrival, their passports were confiscated, and they were forced into service with the Russian Military Support Service. Despite repeated efforts to escape, they found themselves trapped in the war zone.

Desperate Attempts to Return Home

Before his tragic death, Binil TB made several attempts to return to his home in Kerala. His wife, Joicy, communicated with the Indian Embassy in Moscow, hoping for assistance. “I got the news from the Embassy, who confirmed Binil’s death after the Russian Army informed them,” Joicy told Indian media. The lack of communication and the Indian government’s limited assistance left the family devastated.

Binil desperately tried to seek help from the Indian authorities, but they told him that the Embassy could not intervene unless the Russian Army relieved him. He expressed his frustration to his family, stating, “We have been pleading with the local commanders for our release, but the Embassy can only help if the Russian Army relieves us.”

The Plight of Indian Nationals in the Russian Army

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has previously killed or exploited Indian nationals. In March 2024, Mohammed Asfan, a 30-year-old man from Hyderabad, died while fighting in the Russian Army under similar circumstances. Job agencies have deceived many other Indians, forcing them to participate in the war after promising lucrative employment opportunities.

Binil and Jain, Indian nationals who traveled to Russia under private visas arranged by a relative already serving in the Russian military, soon found themselves thrust into active combat. Authorities originally tasked them with logistical support, such as delivering food and supplies to soldiers. As the war intensified and personnel shortages grew, authorities gave them weapons, minimal training, and sent them to the frontline.

A Family’s Struggle to Cope with Loss

Binil’s wife, Joicy John is a nurse in Thrissur, Kerala. She shared her emotional journey of trying to cope with the loss of her husband. Grief and anxiety have overwhelmed Joicy since she received his last audio message in December. “It’s been seven months since they left, and now I’ve lost all peace of mind,” she said. Joicy is on maternity leave. She has been dealing with the anguish of not hearing from her husband for weeks before learning of his tragic fate.

In his final message to his family, Binil indicated that he and Jain had received orders to move to the frontlines and were at a breaking point due to exhaustion. He informed them, “The situation has worsened, and we have been told to go to the war front today. Please inform everyone else.” Despite these desperate calls for help, both Binil and Jain found themselves unable to return home safely.

The Indian Government’s Efforts to Bring Back Stranded Nationals

In response to the increasing number of Indians caught in the war, the Indian government has been working to assist those who wish to return. As of August 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that they had safely brought 15 Indian nationals back to India. The MEA reiterated that the Embassy remains in regular contact with Russian authorities to facilitate the safe return of others still trapped in the conflict.