Malayali man dies in fighting zone after seeking rescue from Russian mercenaries

Thrissur: A man from Thrissur, who was holed up in a Russian mercenary unit since June last year, passed away on Monday. Vinil TB (32), a resident of Kuttanerur, died from gunshot wounds sustained in the combat zone. The Indian embassy officially informed Vinil’s family of his death.

Meanwhile, another Malayali Jain from Kuranchery in Thrissur, who was also part of a Russian mercenary force, arrived in Moscow after being injured in the Ukraine conflict. Jain was injured in shelling in Ukraine and was hospitalized for treatment. He was transferred to a Moscow hospital two days ago and informed his family of his arrival via WhatsApp call.

Vinil, Jain and several others had traveled to Russia through an agent based in Chalakudy. The group was originally recruited to work in the cafeteria, but has been drawn into the war zone since June last year. They then recorded a video pleading for support to return home. Their companion, Sandeep from Srikul, also died in the conflict.

In response to the crisis, Orthodox Church leader Baselios Marsoma Matthews III made an urgent appeal to Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov, calling for immediate intervention.