The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of six Nepali nationals who were serving in the Russian army.

Issuing a press statement on Monday, the ministry identified the deceased as Sandeep Thapaliya (Gorkha), Rupak Karki (Kapilvastu), Dewan Rai (Kaski), Prateem Karki (Syangja), Raj Kumar Rokka (Dolakha) and Ganga Raj Moktan (Ilam). 

The ministry also stated that one Bibek Karki was currently being held hostage by the Ukraine army, and efforts were underway to rescue him. Except in the case of some countries, Nepal does not have a policy of allowing Nepali nationals to join a foreign army. The ministry also requested all concerned countries not to recruit Nepali nationals in their armies, and to send them back if they already have.