The Nepali authorities condemned Russia's use of its citizens as mercenaries in the criminal war against Ukraine and demanded compensation for the dead.
Nepal demands from Russia compensation for its dead citizens in the war against Ukraine
According to the Nepali MFA chief, Narayan Prakash Saud, more than 200 Nepali citizens were recruited into the occupying Russian army.
Saud noted that at least 14 Nepali citizens were killed in the criminal war launched by Russia against Ukraine.
He also added that his country demands that Russia immediately stop recruiting its citizens to participate in the war against Ukraine, return the recruited Nepalis to their homes, and return the bodies of the dead Nepalese mercenaries.
What is known about the response of the aggressor country
Russia said 12 bodies were among the 14 confirmed dead Nepali citizens.
Most Nepalis want the bodies of their dead relatives to be cremated according to religious rituals.
We have information that five of our citizens, who fought on the side of the Russians, are in captivity on the Ukrainian side. We ask the Russian side to take the initiative for their release, — notes the Nepali MFA chief.
Russian law allows foreign citizens to enlist in the army after signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a decree accelerating the path to Russian citizenship for foreigners enrolling in the Russian army.
According to the publication, Ukraine allegedly also hired some Nepalis to participate in hostilities as soldiers. Still, the Nepalese Foreign Ministry head said he did not have such information.
