First Tajik National Surrenders via 'I Want to Live' Project

How a Migrant Worker from Tajikistan Ended Up on the Battlefield

According to Главком: A citizen of Tajikistan has become the first person from that country to surrender through the 'I Want to Live' initiative. This labor migrant, who had been working in Russia, was forced onto the front lines after being detained and threatened with deportation. To avoid expulsion, he signed a contract with the Russian military. After surviving for two weeks without food or water, he and a comrade reached out to the 'I Want to Live' project for help.

Evacuation and a Warning from a Former Soldier

The evacuation operation was carried out by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense (GUR MO) and the Third Army Corps. Drone operators from the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade guided the escape route. During the extraction, both soldiers were provided with water, food, and communication devices.

The former soldier is now a prisoner of war under the protection of the Geneva Conventions. In a stark warning, the captive from Tajikistan stated:

“Under no circumstances should you sign a contract with the Russian army. It’s a one-way ticket. Go home, work, and protect your life. Don’t join this senseless war.”

Separate reports have emerged about Russian soldier Artem Mubarakshin, who was captured with a burned face and later returned to Russia in a prisoner exchange. Another Russian serviceman named Ilya, an electrician who got lost due to poor geography skills during a work assignment, was also taken prisoner and allowed to speak with his mother.

This case highlights the severe risks faced by migrant workers who sign military contracts to avoid deportation. The problem remains critical amid the ongoing conflict, as many individuals seek ways to escape life-threatening situations. The 'I Want to Live' project has become a vital lifeline for those trapped in desperate circumstances, demonstrating that rescue is possible even under the most challenging conditions.