Haryana families mourn as sons die in Russia war, more still missing

Families across Haryana continue to wait in agony for news of their sons, many of whom travelled to Russia on study or work visas but were allegedly recruited into the Russian Army and sent to the war front.

For Rakesh Kumar, a bus driver with Chandigarh Transport Undertaking, the wait has become endless. It has been 10 days since he was informed that his 25-year-old son, Anshu, had died.

Anshu, a resident of Kathowas village in Rewari, had traveled to Russia in April 2025 on a study visa. The family alleges he was later inducted into the Russian Army and deployed to the frontlines.

“On April 4, a former soldier who had served in the Russian army informed us that Anshu is dead. He told us the body would first be brought from Ukraine to Moscow and then to India within 10 to 15 days. Since then, we have been waiting,” said his grieving father.

On March 26, the body of 22-year-old Anuj Sharma from Cjhhora village in Karnal was brought back to India. He had gone to Russia in May 2025 on a study visa but was later persuaded to join the army.

His brother, Arjun Sharma, said Anuj had failed to secure a job after reaching Russia. “Later, some Russian soldiers convinced him to enlist, assuring him he would only be required to dig bunkers. He joined on August 28, 2025. On October 20, he suffered bullet injuries. His body remained buried under snow for months before finally being brought back to India on March 26 this year,” he said.

Two more such cases emerged in early April.

On April 2, the body of 30-year-old Ankit from Kurar Ibrahimpur village in Sonipat district returned in a coffin. He had initially been working at a hotel in Moscow before being recruited into the army. His last contact with the family was on October 12, 2025.

On April 4, 23-year-old Ankit Jangra from Kumharia village in Fatehabad was cremated after his body arrived from Russia. He had gone to Moscow on a study visa in February 2025 and was allegedly lured into enlistment.

His friend Vijay Poonia, who had travelled with him, remains missing.

Several families are still clinging to hope.

Aman, 24, from Madanheri village in Hisar, has been missing since September 2025. His brother Aashish said Aman was enticed with promises of a ₹2.5 lakh monthly salary and an advance payment of ₹10 lakh.