Goraya man desperate for news of brother trapped in Russia-Ukraine warzone

Jagdeep Kumar, from Goraya, is beside himself with worry as he tries desperately to locate his brother, Mandeep Kumar, who has been out of contact for the past nine months after being caught in the Russian-Ukrainian warzone. Recently, Jagdeep travelled to Delhi to meet an official from the Ministry of External Affairs, seeking any information about his brother’s whereabouts.

“I went to Delhi three days ago and met with an official,” Jagdeep told The Tribune. “They assured me that they are working on the problem and making efforts to bring those stuck there back safely.”

Although Jagdeep still has no news about Mandeep’s specific location, the meeting brought him a sense of relief. “I did not get any new information about my brother, but it was reassuring to know that the ministry is making serious efforts,” he said.

“I will not stop, no matter how long it takes,” Jagdeep said. “Whenever I do anything here, I keep thinking about my brother — what he might be going through, what his condition is. It is always on my mind.”

Mandeep had initially gone to Armenia in search of work, where he got in touch with a travel agent via social media who promised to send him to Italy. “But when my brother reached Russia, he was tricked into joining the Russian army.”

Adding to the distress, Jagdeep claims he was duped of Rs 6 lakh by the same agent, who had promised to legally send his brother from Armenia to Italy via Russia, Finland and Germany.