The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal has confirmed the deaths of seven Nepali nationals who were serving in the Russian Army, bringing the official count of deceased individuals to 19.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a press release confirming the deaths of seven individuals from Nepal who were serving in the Russian Army. The deceased include Purna Bahadur Gurung from Dhading, Nabin Shahi from Jajarkot, Padam Bahadur Ghimire from Udayapur, Ganga Ram Adhikari from Jhapa, Jeet Bahadur BK from Baglung, Sanjay KC from Banke, and Sundar Moktan from Rasuwa.

The Ministry did not specify the date or location of the deaths, which occurred during the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia against Ukraine in 2022. Russia has been actively recruiting foreign nationals for its military, offering substantial financial incentives and the possibility of citizenship after a specified period.

Russia's scheme to recruit foreign nationals has garnered significant interest, leading Nepali youths to travel to various parts of Europe and Russia for recruitment purposes. It is believed that hundreds of Nepalis have been recruited into the Russian Army.

The Foreign Ministry announced in a release that discussions are ongoing with Russia through diplomatic channels to prioritise the repatriation of the bodies of those killed in Russia and those enlisted in the Russian army.

Additionally, the ministry stated that the Russian government has been once again urged to provide compensation to the families of both the deceased and those injured on the frontlines.

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, informed parliament that discussions are underway with both Russia and Ukraine regarding the release and repatriation of Nepali citizens.

He conveyed to the Russian government that the recruitment of Nepali citizens into the Russian military is illegal. Nepal has intensified its diplomatic efforts to halt the recruitment of Nepalis into the Russian Army and to repatriate those already enlisted.

Addressing a parliamentary meeting on March 7, Prime Minister Dahal stated that dialogues are ongoing with relevant authorities in Russia and Ukraine regarding the repatriation of Nepali citizens who lost their lives or were injured while serving in the Russian Army, as well as the release of Nepalis held captive by the Ukrainian Army.

The Consular Section of the Foreign Ministry has received over 200 applications from family members and next of kin of individuals who claimed to be serving in the Russian army. Due to the increasing illegal recruitment of Nepali youths in the Russian Army, the government has issued stern warnings against travelling to Russia for military involvement.

Travellers to Russia are required to obtain a No Objection Letter (NOL) from the Consular Service Department. Additionally, Nepali nationals residing abroad must obtain an NOL from their respective embassies before visiting Russia.

Image source: ANI