Russia on Sunday reacted to the arrest of six Ukrainian nationals and one US national for allegedly plotting terrorist acts against India.
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused the arrested individuals of terror charges.
“They were reportedly involved in supplying EU-made drones, training in drone assembly/repair, and conducting electronic warfare,” said Zakharova.
The Russian Foreign Ministry strongly criticised Ukraine, portraying it as a destabilising force globally and accusing it of enabling the spread of conflict beyond its borders.
Through remarks by spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Russia alleged that Ukrainian actors were involved in illicit activities, including supplying drones, training militant groups, and supporting insurgent networks.
Moscow further claimed that weapons provided to Ukraine by NATO and the European Union were poorly tracked and risked ending up on global black markets, potentially reaching criminal cartels and terrorist organisations.
It also accused Kyiv of expanding its influence into regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, while blaming Western backing for enabling what it described as Ukraine’s reckless and destabilising behaviour in international security affairs.
Ukraine rejects allegations
On March 17, Ukraine rejected allegations against six of its citizens detained in India, saying there is “no established” evidence linking them to unlawful activity.
There was no immediate response from the Trump administration on the arrest of an American citizen on the same charges.
“As of now, no facts are proving the involvement of the said Ukrainian citizens in unlawful activities on the territory of India or Myanmar,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said. It also warned of “distorted interpretations” and “unfounded allegations” in some reports.
NIA detains seven foreign nationals
NIA detained seven foreign nationals, including six Ukrainians and one American, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a terror case on March 13.
Probes reveal they exploited India as a transit hub to infiltrate Myanmar's conflict zones and bolster insurgent factions. A court on March 16 extended their detention until March 27.
Ukraine voiced concerns over due process after India's NIA detained its six nationals alongside a US citizen, noting no prior official notification and demanding immediate consular access.
Embassy officials attended court hearings but couldn't speak directly with detainees, the ambassador protested to India's External Affairs Ministry, seeking release and contact while monitoring families.
The US Embassy acknowledged awareness but cited privacy in declining comment. Ukraine also flagged unclear markings in restricted Indian zones as potential inadvertent violation risks.
Russia's reaction to the NIA’s arrest of six Ukrainian nationals and one US citizen has been sharp and accusatory, framing the incident as evidence of Ukraine's role in global instability.
The arrests, which took place on March 13, 2026, at airports in Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow, involve allegations of a terror conspiracy involving drone warfare and illegal entry into restricted areas in Mizoram to support insurgents in Myanmar.
Russia’s Official Response
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova issued a detailed statement on March 20–21, 2026, characterizing the situation as follows:
Accusations of Destabilization: Russia labeled the Ukrainian government a "core exporter of instability," claiming the arrested individuals were part of a "tentacled network" reaching into South Asia to destabilize the region.
Criticism of the "Zelensky Regime": Zakharova accused the Ukrainian embassy in New Delhi of trying to "conceal the incident" and "keep its citizens' questionable activities under wraps."
Black Market Weapons: The Russian statement alleged that Ukraine has become a major supplier to the global black market, suggesting that weapons and military tech supplied by NATO and the EU are surfacing in regional conflicts, including those in India's neighborhood.
The "Intelligence" Conflict
A major point of contention has emerged regarding the origin of the tip-off that led to the arrests:
Russian Involvement: Reports indicate that the NIA acted on intelligence shared by Russian authorities.
Ukraine’s Counter-Protest: The Ukrainian Embassy in India expressed "serious concern" that the case might be "orchestrated and politically motivated" due to the involvement of Russian intelligence. They accused Russia of trying to "drive a wedge" between India and Ukraine.
Indian Stance: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has maintained that the arrests are a legal matter being handled by domestic agencies according to Indian law.
Key Details of the Arrests
| Suspects | Identified Individuals | Charges |
| 6 Ukrainians | Petro Hurba, Taras Slyviak, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, etc. | Conspiracy under the UAPA, illegal entry into Mizoram, and training insurgents in drone warfare. |
| 1 US Citizen | Matthew Aaron VanDyke (described as a documentary filmmaker and "mercenary"). | Allegedly leading/facilitating the group's activities and coordinating with ethnic armed groups in Myanmar. |
The suspects are currently in NIA custody until March 27, 2026, as investigators trace their digital footprints and potential links to proscribed Indian insurgent groups.
Would you like me to look into the specific background of the American national, Matthew VanDyke, or his previous activities in other conflict zones?
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