ISW: Nepalese citizens recruited as mercenaries to serve in Russian army

Russian intermediaries are reportedly recruiting and trafficking Nepali citizens into service in the Russian army. 

On December 4, the Nepali Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced that six Nepali citizens were killed fighting alongside the Russian military in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The Nepali government requested the Russian government not recruit Nepali citizens as soldiers, to immediately deport any Nepali citizens that the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) previously recruited, and to return the bodies of the deceased Nepali citizens. 

Nepali outlet Kathmandu Post reported on December 5 that the Nepali government does not allow its citizens to serve in foreign militaries other than in India and the United Kingdom.

Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal announced about additional Nepali citizens serving in the Russian and Ukrainian armies.

Meanwhile, Nepali Ambassador to Russia Milan Taj Tuladhar said that an estimated 150-200 Nepali citizens are serving in the Russian army as mercenaries. 

"Agents lure Nepali citizens with promises of large sums of money and smuggle them to Russia, charging fees of up to one million rupees [approximately $12,000]. Many Nepali citizens visited Russia on student and tourist visas before joining the Russian army. Our officials are working to bring all their citizens back to Nepal and discourage citizens from joining foreign armies," said Milan Taj Tuladhar.