Kathmandu, May 13: The number of Nepali youths who have died while serving in the Russian army during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has increased by 23, bringing the total confirmed deaths to 73.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the latest 23 deaths were confirmed after DNA test results. These individuals had been deployed to frontlines without adequate training, reportedly contributing to the high casualty rate. Many had been missing for months, and DNA samples had been sent for identification.
The list of the newly confirmed deceased includes:
- Hem Kumar Magar (Nawalparasi)
- Lalit Singh Dobal (Darchula)
- Taraprakash Gharti (Salyan)
- Ram Krishna Adhikari (Sankhuwasabha)
- Git Bahadur Ghartimagar (Kaski)
- Makkhan Bahadur Pun (Baglung)
- Ram Kumar Pradhan (Makwanpur)
- Ronal Mishra (Morang)
- Bhim Bahadur Ghartimagar (Pyuthan)
- Chham Bahadur Gharti (Myagdi)
- Arjun Dutt Bhatta (Baitadi)
- Sujan Sharma (Surkhet)
- Ram Kumar Budhamagar (Rukum West)
Ten others whose addresses have not yet been verified include: Lar Bahadur Budha, Netra Bahadur Thapa, Bikash Rai, Rupak Rai, Mahendra Malla, Ashok GC, Amrit Thapa Alemagar, Uday Raj Tharu, Pritam Rai, and Prem Bahadur Lungelimagar.
The Consular Department has contacted the families of the deceased. Many of the individuals had lost contact with their families for over a year.
The Russian government had requested DNA samples from Nepal last year to help identify missing Nepalis, and in the latest round, matches were found for eight individuals.
Despite confirmation of deaths, families are facing difficulties in claiming compensation. As of now, 11 families have prepared the necessary documents to file for compensation. Former Ambassador Milan Raj Tuladhar stated that Nepalis serving under a contract with the Russian army are eligible for compensation similar to Russian soldiers. Even if family members travel to Russia, the claim process must involve the Nepali embassy there.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects the number of confirmed deaths to rise further, as DNA results for about 50 more missing individuals are still pending.
According to sources, some eight Nepalis have been put into jail in Ukraine who were captured or surrendered before the Ukraine forces from the war frontlines. The government has already requested and communicated the Ukraine government to safely repatriate these individuals. #nepal #russia #ukraine
