KATHMANDU: Ten more Nepali youths recruited in the Russian army have died in the ongoing war with Ukraine, raising the total confirmed death toll to 35, according to the Nepali Embassy in Moscow.

The latest fatalities include Lal Bahadur Budha from Rupandehi, Phurba Sherpa from Dolakha, Suraj BK from Syangja, Netra Bahadur Gharti from Dhading, Shankar Damai from Gulmi, Sajan Gurung from Lamjung, Tej Bahadur Shahi from Dailekh, Shanta Bahadur Bholan from Sindhuli, and Raju Tharu and Ghanshyam Pariyar, whose districts of origin were not specified.

The embassy also reported that six Nepalis are currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the conflict.

Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war on February 24, 2022, 128 Nepalis have returned home.

Despite repeated requests and correspondences from the Nepal government, the Russian Foreign Ministry has not provided detailed information about the Nepalis in the Russian army, deferring the matter to the Ministry of Defense.

During a recent meeting at the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Tehran, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha raised concerns about the status of Nepalis recruited into the Russian army with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Yuryevich Rudenko.

Shrestha requested the repatriation of deceased Nepalis’ bodies, compensation for their families, and the safe return of wounded and currently serving Nepalis.

Additionally, six Nepalis are currently held captive by Ukrainian forces.

Efforts by the Nepal government to negotiate their release with the Russian government have yet to succeed.

President Ramchandra Paudel also sought assistance from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during his visit to Germany to help secure the release of the Nepali captives.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formed a high-level task force led by Ganesh Dhakal, head of the Europe-America desk, to study and provide recommendations on the situation involving Nepalis in the Russian army.