Nepal has issued a stern appeal to Russia, urging them to halt the recruitment of Nepalese citizens into the Russian army, following reports that six Nepalese individuals fighting for Russia were killed in Ukraine.
This demand was made through an official statement by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by Reuters and The Kathmandu Post.
The Ministry also requested the Russian government to immediately repatriate the bodies of the deceased and provide compensation to their families.
This development highlights the serious concern of the Nepalese government regarding the involvement of its citizens in the conflict in Ukraine.
Further emphasizing Nepal's diplomatic efforts, the Ministry revealed steps being taken to secure the release of a Nepalese citizen currently serving in the Russian army and captured in Ukraine.
Milan Raj Tuladhar, Nepal's ambassador to Moscow, was quoted by The Kathmandu Post stating that between 150-200 Nepalese individuals are working as mercenaries in the Russian military.
This situation gained significant attention following the circulation of a video on social media, where a man, claiming to be a 22-year-old Nepalese student and captured by Ukrainian forces, speaks about his experience. He mentioned joining the Russian army due to financial constraints after his student visa expired.
Despite promises of substantial payment, he claimed to have received only a meager sum for his service and expressed a desire to return to Nepal, citing the deaths of many friends.
Earlier in October, media reports had surfaced about the capture of a Nepalese mercenary named Bibek Katri, who was also fighting for Russia.
These incidents bring to light the broader issue of foreign nationals being recruited as mercenaries in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, raising ethical and legal concerns at an international level.
