Nepali Nationals Killed in Russian Military Amid Ukraine Conflict

The Embassy of Nepal in Moscow recently confirmed that three young Nepali nationals from Syangja, Dolakha and Ilam districts employed with the Russian military lost their lives on November 15th amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Nepali Ambassador to Russia Milan Raj Tuladhar shared that the embassy is presently engaging with Russian authorities to ascertain further details behind the deaths of the trio who were serving in the Russian armed forces.

On November 24th, the Nepali mission approached the Department of Consular Services regarding the fatalities and provided the death certificates that were conveyed by Russian authorities via telegram on the same date. With the families bereaved, the Embassy has appealed for assistance in establishing contact to initiate repatriation procedures.

Ambassador Tuladhar mentioned the deceased were potentially hired as assistants or mercenaries. He added that efforts are being made to reach out to the next of kin and more particulars will be divulged subsequently. Initial reports suggest the victims perished in an explosion on the war front however their mortal remains are yet to be tracked. Meanwhile, the Embassy is aggregating information on the episode from Moscow and demanding due compensation to the bereaved families.

Despite government advisories against joining overseas militaries, close to 200 Nepali nationals are estimated to be enrolled with the Russian forces undertaking various responsibilities. Some are even assumed to have enlisted in Ukrainian units although accurate statistics are unavailable.

On August 1st, Nepal's Foreign Ministry explicitly warned citizens against recruitment in the armed contingents of conflict zones. Barring special pacts with India and Britain, Nepali people are prohibited from military induction abroad. The Ministry also cautioned against taking up security-linked jobs in warring nations based on false assurances, underlining the inherent, often irremediable risks.

In a related development, another Nepali man named Bibek Khatri from Bardiya had earlier shared a video online communicating that Ukrainian forces had captured him, with pleas for early release. As per Ukrainian authorities, Khatri was apprehended near Avdiivka upon confirmation that he was contracted by Russia's Defense Ministry into one of their Airborne brigades. Khatri's family has also approached the Nepal government soliciting the facilitation of his safe homecoming.