politics
March 18, 2026
India arrests Ukrainian and US mercenaries: What we know so far
New Delhi’s anti-terror agency has taken custody of seven people for allegedly training and supplying weapons to insurgents in Myanmar
TL;DR
- Six Ukrainian citizens and one US citizen were arrested by India's anti-terror agency for alleged links with Myanmar insurgents and subversive activities in India's northeast.
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating illegal entry into India and alleged plans to train Myanmar-based Ethnic Armed Groups (EAGs).
- Evidence suggests the accused received drone consignments from Europe and facilitated their delivery to groups in Mizoram.
- The US citizen, Matthew VanDyke, is identified as a former US soldier and mercenary with a history of involvement in conflicts in Libya and Syria.
- Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has protested the arrests, demanding the release of its citizens and access, stating there are no established facts proving their involvement in unlawful activities.
- Mizoram's chief minister had previously alleged that Western mercenaries linked to Kiev had crossed into Myanmar via the state to train rebel outfits.
Continue reading the original article