The ongoing Ukraine war has revealed a harrowing tale of deceit and loss in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh and Mau districts. Nearly a dozen young men, lured by promises of high-paying security guard jobs in Russia, found themselves on the battlefield instead.

In 2024, these men left with dreams of earning Rs 2 lakh monthly salaries to support their families. However, upon arriving in Russia, they were forcibly enlisted into the military. Of the 13 who went, three have tragically lost their lives in combat—Kanhaiya Yadav from Azamgarh, and Shyamsundar and Sunil Yadav from Mau. Two others, Rakesh Yadav and Brijesh Yadav, returned home after sustaining injuries. The remaining eight men are missing, leaving their families in anguish.

Ashish Yadav, brother of missing Yogendra Yadav, revealed that an agent named Vinod Yadav deceived his brother with false job promises. Yogendra last communicated with his family in May 2024, reporting injuries sustained in the war. Similarly, Azharuddin Khan from Mau, another victim, informed his family that he had been sent to the frontlines. His father succumbed to a heart attack upon learning the news.

The families of these men are demanding justice and accountability for the agents who orchestrated this cruel betrayal. Local authorities have yet to take decisive action, leaving the affected families struggling with grief and uncertainty.