US Mercenary Matthew VanDyke Claims Russia-Ukraine War Link to Arrest in India, Vows to Reveal ‘Shocking Details’

American mercenary Matthew VanDyke has alleged that his arrest and detention in India alongside six Ukrainian nationals were linked to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail on default bail in September, VanDyke has threatened to disclose what he described as “shocking details” about his arrest, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigation and his treatment in prison.

In a social media post on Monday night, VanDyke claimed that India had imprisoned him and several Ukrainian nationals for more than six months as part of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“India threw me and several Ukrainians in prison for over six months. This was part of Russia’s war against Ukraine,” he wrote.

He further announced that he would disclose details of the case through social media posts and media interviews over the coming months.

His latest allegations come amid claims of physical assault and delayed medical assistance during his detention at Tihar Jail. In a handwritten affidavit reportedly sent to the US Embassy in India in August, VanDyke alleged that he was punched in the chest and arm inside the prison and threatened with further violence.

He also claimed that prison authorities delayed medical attention for nearly 24 hours after one of the alleged assaults. According to his account, he repeatedly requested medical assistance, but a doctor examined him only the following evening.

The US Embassy declined to comment on the communication, citing its policy of not discussing private exchanges with individuals or government authorities.

Why Did the NIA Arrest Matthew VanDyke and Six Ukrainians?

The NIA arrested VanDyke at Kolkata airport on March 13, while six Ukrainian nationals were detained at airports in Delhi and Lucknow.

According to the investigating agency, the seven accused had entered India on tourist visas in December 2025, travelled to Mizoram without the necessary permits and subsequently crossed into Myanmar.

The agency alleged that they provided training in weapons handling and drone warfare to ethnic armed groups operating in Myanmar.

Investigators also examined allegations concerning the group’s involvement in drone operations, weapons training, assembly and jamming technologies. The NIA had informed the court that it was investigating possible links between the accused and a suspected drone attack on a civilian aircraft in Myanmar.

The specific circumstances and findings relating to the alleged attack have not been publicly established.

The case was initially registered under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). However, in its chargesheet filed on September 8, the NIA invoked Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, without invoking UAPA provisions against the seven accused. The agency informed the court that further investigation into the alleged UAPA offences was continuing.

 How Did VanDyke Secure Bail After Six Months in Tihar Jail?

On September 18, the Rouse Avenue court granted VanDyke default bail after the NIA failed to file a chargesheet invoking the relevant UAPA offences within the legally prescribed period.

The court granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh along with a surety of the same amount. He was subsequently released from Tihar Jail on September 24.

The court initially imposed conditions requiring him to remain in Delhi and appear before the NIA whenever summoned for questioning. VanDyke later approached the court seeking permission to travel to the United States to meet his family.

On October 23, the court allowed VanDyke and the six Ukrainian nationals to travel to their respective countries until their next hearing. The next court appearance is scheduled for February 24, 2027.

The six Ukrainians were also granted bail, subject to financial conditions. They were discharged under certain provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office compounded the alleged violations, imposing a fine of Rs 5.5 lakh on each of them.

VanDyke Says He Will Return to India in February

Following his release, VanDyke has rejected suggestions that the US government intervened with Indian authorities to secure his freedom.

Responding to questions on social media, he also denied allegations of arms smuggling, arguing that the Indian government had not accused him of smuggling weapons into the country.

Despite warnings from social media users against returning to India, VanDyke has maintained that he will appear before the court on February 24, 2027.

He also dismissed speculation that he might evade the proceedings after travelling to the United States, pointing to his appearance before the court on October 23.

His latest statements have added another dimension to a case involving alleged cross-border military training, drone warfare and ethnic armed groups operating in Myanmar.

While VanDyke has portrayed his arrest as connected to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, his allegations have not been independently established. The NIA’s investigation and the judicial proceedings remain central to determining the facts of the case.

His promised disclosures over the coming months could bring further attention to the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the alleged Myanmar mission and his six-month detention in India.