A tragic turn of events illustrates the grim reality of losing a member to the blood-soaked battle in Ukraine for one Hyderabad family. A 31-year-old, Asfan Mohammed, left for the war happening in Europe, where he lost his life.

With promises of greener pastures from foreign countries, Asfan left for Russia to earn a living. He was also misled by the recruitment agents about the risks of working abroad and the support he had to provide for his family. Asfan continues his plans, though his family has warned him, unaware of the danger ahead.

Barely weeks into his arrival in Moscow, Asfan was conscripted into the Russian military with duties beyond his main mandate. Asfan was dispatched to the war-torn Ukraine, but from the warfront he witnessed. On December 1, tragically, Asfan pleaded with his family to save him from his grave condition. His frantic plea for rescue went unattended, leaving him amid the war's mayhem.

The fact that Asfan had been around for weeks was causing his family anxiety. The Indian authorities' announcement of Asfan's death on March 6 shattered the family.

Yet, Asfan's family mourns even more with the realization that his tragedy could have been averted. The senseless tragedy and aftereffects of war shatter them.