KATHMANDU: The Nepali Embassy in Moscow has recently reported the unfortunate loss of three Nepali individuals who had enlisted in the Russian army during the conflict with Ukraine.

Nepali citizens, seeking employment opportunities abroad, are increasingly choosing military service in Gulf countries or employment in conflict-ridden nations. Under the auspices of the Gurkha Recruitment Center, Nepali individuals continue to enter military service in countries such as India, the United Kingdom, and Singapore with the government’s approval, contributing to the security of these nations. However, this endeavor often comes at the cost of sacrificing their own well-being.

The recent casualties include Pritam Karki from Syangja Putalibazar, Rajkumar Roka from Dolakha Melung, and Gangaraj Moktan from Ilam. The families of the deceased are facing difficulties in repatriating the bodies due to the challenging circumstances in Russia.

The Embassy of Nepal in Russia has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about these incidents, emphasizing the challenges in bringing the bodies back to Nepal. It has been reported that additional Nepali citizens might have lost their lives in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Despite reports of Nepali nationals traveling to Dubai and then entering Moscow for recruitment in the Russian army, there appears to be a lack of proactive measures by the Nepalese government to address their security concerns.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s provision to grant Russian citizenship to those joining the Russian Army within a year has attracted Nepali youths to enlist, despite the associated risks. The current situation highlights the urgent need for diplomatic intervention and support to ensure the well-being and repatriation of Nepali nationals caught in conflict zones abroad.