Nepalis Reported Missing After Joining Russian Army

Nepals Foreign Minister, NP Saud, disclosed that around 100 Nepalis who joined the Russian Army have gone missing, with seven confirmed fatalities. The situation raises concerns about the involvement of Nepali youths in the Russian military.

In a concerning development, Nepal's Foreign Minister, NP Saud, has revealed that approximately 100 Nepalese individuals who joined the Russian Army have been reported missing. This alarming news comes amidst reports of seven Nepalese individuals losing their lives while serving in the Russian military, as confirmed by sources within the Foreign Ministry.

Foreign Ministry Addresses the Issue

Addressing the situation, Foreign Minister Saud stated that complaints have been received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) regarding the missing and injured status of around 100 Nepalese individuals. In response, the Russian ambassador in Nepal was summoned to the MoFA to discuss the matter and seek clarification.

Nepalese Youths in Russia

It is estimated that approximately 200 Nepali youths, who initially traveled to Russia on foreign employment visas, study visas, and visit visas, have subsequently joined the Russian Army. This revelation raises concerns about the potential involvement of a significant number of Nepalese individuals in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Concerns and Diplomatic Efforts

Expressing his apprehension, Foreign Minister Saud highlighted the possibility that the actual number of Nepalese joining the Russian Army could be even higher than the reported figures. In light of this situation, he has reached out to the Ukrainian government, urging them to release at least four Nepalese individuals who are currently held as Prisoners of War (POW) in Ukraine.

The news of Nepalese individuals joining the Russian Army and the subsequent reports of missing and injured individuals have raised serious concerns within Nepal. The government's efforts to address the situation, including diplomatic engagements with Russia and Ukraine, are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nepalese citizens abroad.