India, April 12 -- Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, an American former journalist who has fought against Russia in support of Ukraine, has been a close associate of American national Matthew VanDyke.

VanDyke was arrested by Indian agencies last month for alleged ties with North East terror groups.

Sarah spoke to The Sunday Guardian and rejected allegations portraying VanDyke as a mercenary or a proxy for U.S. intelligence, asserting instead that his work through Sons of Liberty International (SOLI) is focused on training civilians in conflict zones in areas such as mine removal, field medicine, and defensive protection.

Q: For how long have you known Matthew VanDyke and how?

A: Matt and I have been friends for several years.

Q: Whatever public ...