One more Nepali national serving in the Russian army has died while fighting Ukrainian forces.

According to Pyuthan Municipality Deputy Mayor Devendra Brahma, Pyuthan-4 local Sonu Sunar was killed in the war two weeks ago. However, the family members were informed about the death only yesterday.

The information was conveyed by another Nepali youth, also serving in the Russian army, who has been injured there, said Khageshwor Thapa, Sunar’s neighbour.

Sunar, who was in Qatar for employment, went to Russia two months ago to join the Russian forces. He had been out of contact for the last month.

According to the foreign ministry, ten Nepali youths who joined the Russian army on their own have been killed. Sunar’s death takes the death toll to 11.

Nepal government doesn’t allow its citizens to join any foreign army except for some friendly countries that have been recruiting Nepali citizens into their national armies under the traditional agreement regarding the recruitment of Nepali citizens in foreign armies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement in August urged Nepali citizens not to go for security-related works in war-torn countries.

At least 200 Nepali youths are estimated to be currently serving in the Russian army, which recruited them to fight the Ukrainians.

As many as 115 Nepali families have petitioned the government for the rescue of their relatives currently serving in the Russian army, Foreign Minister NP Saud had said on Tuesday.

After failing to stop Nepalis from going to both Russia and Ukraine to join their armies, the government on January 4 decided not to issue employment permits for the two countries.

With the help of human traffickers, many Nepalis have reached Russia on student and tourist visas and joined its fighting force.

Published on: 12 January 2024 | The Kathmandu Post