MoFA Confirms Death of Six Nepalis serving Russian Army

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially confirmed the death of six Nepali nationals serving in the Russian Army, which is actively engaged in the conflict that ensued after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The fallen soldiers have been identified as Sandip Thapaliya of Gorkha, Rupak Karki of Banganga-1 in Kapilvastu, Dewan Rai of Pokhara in Kaski, Pitam Karki of Putali Bazar in Syangja, Raj Kumar Roka of Melung-6 in Dolakha, and Ganga Raj Moktan of Ilam-5 in Ilam, according to a press release issued by the ministry on Monday.

The statement, echoing its previous position reiterated in an earlier release on August 1, emphasized that the government strictly prohibits recruitment in any foreign army, except for a select few countries based on traditional agreements.

Expressing deep concern, the ministry has called on the Russian government to promptly repatriate the bodies of the deceased soldiers and provide compensation to their grieving families. Furthermore, it has urged Russia to refrain from recruiting any more Nepali nationals into its army and, if present, to facilitate their immediate return to Nepal.

The government has also confirmed its efforts to bring back Bibek Khatri, who is currently in Ukrainian custody, and has urged Nepali citizens, excluding those on official government business, scholarships, or business activities, to obtain a No Objection Certificate from the Department of Consular Services under the ministry before traveling to Russia. The move is seen as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of Nepali citizens amid the ongoing conflict.