Guwahati, Sept. 11 -- The Union Government on Thursday yet again requested nationals to refrain from the Russia-Ukraine conflict as reports of Indians forced to join Russian army emerge.

"We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"We have also taken up the matter with Russian authorities, both in Delhi and Moscow, asking that this practice be ended and that our nationals be released. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens," he added.

Jaiswal reiterated the government has repeatedly underlined the risks of such recruitment."We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay ...