Our Planet Climate and Geopolitics
A major human trafficking network recruiting young men as “helpers” in the Russian army, later forced to fight in the war in Ukraine, has been uncovered in India. About 35 people have been sent to Russia under the scheme so far, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reports. At least two men died while fighting at the frontline, families say. One death has been confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Russia; Russia’s foreign ministry hasn’t commented. The trafficked Indian nationals targeted via social media and local agents were trained in combat roles and deployed at frontline bases in the Russia-Ukraine War Zone “against their wishes", the CBI said. 50 million rupees ($605,000) in cash was seized from traffickers; some suspects were detained for questioning. India refuses to condemn Russia over the war with Ukraine and helps Russia economically, buying its oil at a discount and in the process defying Western sanctions.