Matthew VanDyke Claims India Arrest Linked to Russia-Ukraine War

U.S. citizen and former mercenary Matthew VanDyke alleges that his March 2026 arrest and six-month imprisonment in India were linked to Russia's war against Ukraine. VanDyke, a filmmaker, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency on March 13 at Kolkata airport, while six Ukrainian nationals were detained in Delhi and Lucknow.

The National Investigation Agency accused the group of illegally entering Myanmar via Mizoram to provide weapons and drone-warfare training to ethnic armed groups, including the Kachin Independence Army and the Chin National Front. The agency also investigated the group for a potential link to a drone attack on a passenger aircraft at Myitkyina airport.

VanDyke was released from Tihar Jail on September 24 after a Delhi court granted default bail because the agency failed to file a chargesheet under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act within the legal timeframe. On October 23, the Rouse Avenue court permitted VanDyke and the Ukrainians to remain outside India until February 24, 2027.

VanDyke has denied that the U.S. government pressured India for his release. He has promised to reveal further details about the case through social media and media interviews in the coming months.