KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister NP Saud has disclosed disturbing information regarding the involvement of Nepali citizens in the Russian army, with reports indicating that around 200 Nepali youths may have enlisted.

Out of this group, Minister Saud stated that 100 individuals are reportedly missing or injured.

In a conversation with RSS, Foreign Minister Saud expressed his concerns, revealing that the Russian government had informed them about Nepali citizens joining their army, with seven of them reportedly killed.

The families and friends of these individuals have reached out with information about their missing or injured loved ones.

Minister Saud stated, “It has been reported that Nepalese youths have joined the Russian army, and some of them have lost their lives, while others find themselves imprisoned in Ukraine.”

He further assured that the Nepali government has conveyed its standpoint to the Nepali Embassy in Moscow, prioritizing the interests of the National Human Rights Commission.

Minister Saud affirmed, “We are actively engaging in efforts to address this situation and ensure the safety of our citizens involved, taking into account the gravity of the matter.”

Minister Saud said that efforts have been made to restrict Nepali citizens from participating in military recruitment in Russia by arranging a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC).

Additionally, he disclosed that similar arrangements have been implemented for citizens from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in South Asia, as well as six countries in the Gulf region.

Despite these measures, heightened airport surveillance was enforced in response to information indicating otherwise.

In addressing the situation in Ukraine, Minister Saud informed that the Government of Nepal is coordinating with the Ukrainian government.

The Nepalese ambassador to Ukraine is engaged in negotiations to secure the release of Nepali citizens held captive in Ukraine.

Furthermore, Minister Saud stated that the International Red Cross has been approached to facilitate the immediate release of four Nepalese individuals involved in the conflict, expressing confidence in a prompt resolution.

Turning to a separate incident, Minister Saud asserted his commitment to the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who is currently in an unknown condition following an attack by Hamas in Israel.

A total of 10 Nepali students lost their lives in the attack on October 10.

Minister Saud personally met with the Prime Minister of Qatar and the International Red Cross to spearhead initiatives for Bipin Joshi’s rescue and release.

He emphasized his optimism, stating, “I strongly believe that we will be able to free Bipin Joshi in the coming ceasefire.”