War

Nepal demands that Russia return Nepalese recruited for the war in Ukraine

Nepal has put forward official demands to the Russian Federation to immediately stop recruiting its citizens and pay compensation to the families of the killed Nepalis. This was stated by Nepal’s Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud in an interview with the Associated Press, according to the

Russia, according to Nepal, recruited more than 200 Nepalese citizens to participate in hostilities in Ukraine, of whom about 14 were killed.

“We have insisted to Russia that it should immediately stop recruiting Nepalis into its military ranks, ensure the return of those who are already serving, as well as the repatriation of the bodies of the dead and treatment of the wounded,” Saud said,

– Saud said.

TheNepalese government has also demanded monetary compensation for the families of Nepalese citizens killed in the fighting and the return of the bodies to their homeland for cremation according to religious customs.

Saud said that five Nepalis who fought on the side of Russia are currently held captive in Ukraine and called on Russia to facilitate their release.

TheNepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has banned its citizens from travelling to Russia for employment, as many Nepalese were recruited to fight in the war against Ukraine.

Every year, tens of thousands of Nepalis travel abroad in search of work, and they must obtain permission from the government before leaving the country for employment. It is believed that those who have been trafficked to Russia travelled through a third country posing as tourists before flying to Russia.

In January 2024, Saud discussed the issue with Russian representatives during the Non-Aligned Movement summit in Uganda.

“We made it clear that our citizens should not be involved in hostilities and should be returned home immediately,” he said,

– Saud said.

According to the Associated Press, the Russian side has not provided official comments on the recruitment of foreigners into its military ranks, but media reports indicate that Cuban citizens have been recruited along with Nepalese.

In September, the Cuban authorities arrested 17 people in connection with a network of recruitment of Cuban citizens to fight on the side of Russia against Ukraine.

Russian law allows foreigners to join its army after signing a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry. Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that speeds up the process of obtaining Russian citizenship for foreigners who join the country’s military as Moscow seeks to replenish its troops in Ukraine through various methods, including recruiting migrants.