Death Toll Climbs as 16 More Nepalis in Russian Army Perish, Total Now 33

In a tragic turn of events, sixteen additional Nepali nationals, serving in the Russian army, have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict against Ukrainian forces. The news comes as a devastating blow to families across Nepal, amplifying concerns over the involvement of Nepali citizens in foreign military operations.

According to sources within the foreign ministry, the bodies of the deceased have been repatriated to Nepal for DNA testing, further underscoring the toll exacted by the Russia-Ukraine war. With this latest development, the official count of Nepali casualties in the conflict has risen to 33, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Families of those enlisted in the Russian army have been grappling with distress and uncertainty, prompting over 200 complaints filed at the Department of Consular Affairs. Nepal’s stance on prohibiting citizens from joining foreign militaries lacking bilateral agreements has been reiterated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens.

Recent diplomatic efforts have sought to address the concerns surrounding Nepali nationals embroiled in the conflict. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha engaged in a pivotal phone conversation with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on March 7. Discussions centered on the repatriation of deceased Nepalis, compensation for affected families, and facilitating the return of those serving in the Russian army.

In response to appeals for assistance, Russian authorities have pledged compensation for the families of the fallen soldiers. Kirtu Bhandari, leading a campaign on behalf of affected families, disclosed alarming statistics, indicating that 116 Nepalis are injured, 274 are missing, and over 620 are enlisted in the Russian army.