100 Nepalis serving in Russian army missing

Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud has said that approximately 100 Nepalis who are serving in the Russian army remain missing and some have been injured. Speaking at a programe in the Capital, the foreign minister said the ministry is receiving complaints from the family members of the missing.

Saud said approximately 200 Nepalis who went to Russia on student, working and visit visas have joined the Russian army. However, the number could be bigger given the growing number of complaints.

According to him, the ministry has already summoned the Russian ambassador and conveyed Nepal’s concern to Moscow. The government has also ordered the Nepali Embassy in Moscow to reach out to Russian authorities. 

Foreign Minister Saud also said that the government was in constant touch with Ukraine to free the Nepalis being held hostage by the Ukrainian army. The government has also requested the International Committee of Red Cross to help to rescue Nepalis in Ukraine.

To date, seven Nepalis have been confirmed dead and four are under captivity in Ukraine. According to the ministry, four Nepalis are under Ukraine’s captivity. They have been identified as Bibek Khatri, Sidhartha Dhakal, Bikas Rai and Pratik Pun. Nepal has communicated with the Ukraine government about the matter.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Nepal has told the Russian side to provide compensation to those who were killed in war with Ukraine and facilitate the process of repatriating the bodies.

In order to stop the recruitment process, Nepal has made the provision of no objection letter mandatory. The provision also applies to those flying to Russia from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain.