American mercenary released from Tihar jail claims link to Russia-Ukraine war

American mercenary Matthew VanDyke, released from Tihar jail, has claimed that the arrest of him and six Ukrainian nationals by India was linked to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. According to a report by 'Aaj Tak', VanDyke has alleged that the Indian government detained him and other Ukrainian nationals in jail for more than six months. He has indicated that in the coming months, he will make several shocking revelations regarding the entire matter, for which he will use social media posts and media interviews.

In a post on the social media platform 'X' on Monday night, VanDyke wrote, "India kept me and several Ukrainian nationals in jail for over six months. This was part of Russia's war against Ukraine." He further stated that he would reveal shocking facts associated with this case. However, he has not yet clarified what evidence or facts he possesses in support of these claims.

This controversial statement comes at a time when VanDyke recently returned to India from the USA. He had come to India to appear in court and was subsequently permitted to return to the USA. Earlier, on September 24, he was released from Tihar jail. After being granted default bail by the court, he was allowed to go to his country for one month. Subsequently, on October 23, the Rouse Avenue Court permitted VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals to remain outside India until the next hearing. The next hearing of this case is scheduled for February 24, 2027.

Following his statement on social media, several questions and criticisms were raised, to which VanDyke provided clarifications. Some users claimed that he was released from India due to pressure from the US government. In response, VanDyke questioned why people believe his release happened under pressure from the US government and asked the users making these claims about their basis.

On the other hand, a user questioned him regarding the smuggling of weapons in India. In response, VanDyke said that the Indian government never accused him of smuggling weapons into the country. Some people advised him not to return to India, to which he clarified that he would return to India in February for the next court hearing. He stated that he had come to India in October to appear in court and would do the same on the next date.

VanDyke further added that he had not personally requested to leave India for the USA, but his lawyers had taken legal steps in this direction. A user expressed apprehension that if he did not return from the USA, he could be declared a fugitive. On this matter, VanDyke reiterated that he appeared in court on October 23 and would return to India again for the next hearing in February 2027. However, he also said that the reason for his return would not be what social media users are assuming.

The entire case began on March 13 when the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested American citizen Matthew VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals. The NIA alleged that this group had gone to Myanmar to provide training in weapons handling and drone warfare to Ethnic Armed Groups. VanDyke was arrested at Kolkata airport, while the other six Ukrainian nationals were taken into custody from Delhi and Lucknow airports.

According to the investigating agency, the group allegedly visited Mizoram and entered Myanmar from there without the necessary permits. The NIA informed the court that the agency is also investigating whether VanDyke and his associates had any connection to a drone attack on a civilian aircraft in Myanmar. The investigating agency suspected that the group's activities could be linked to weapons and drone warfare training in Myanmar.