Kathmandu: In an official announcement, the Nepali government has confirmed the tragic deaths of six Nepali citizens serving in the Russian army. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press note on Monday, urging the Russian government to promptly repatriate the bodies and ensure compensation for the grieving families.

The Ministry identified the deceased as Sandip Thapaliya of Gorkha, Rupak Karki of Kapilbastu, Dewan Rai of Kaski, Pritam Karki of Syangja, Raj Kumar Roka of Dolakha, and Gangaraj Moktan of Ilam. Expressing condolences to the families, the government has called on Russia to refrain from recruiting Nepali citizens into its military forces and to facilitate the return of any individuals currently serving.

This confirmation follows a notice issued by the government on August 1, emphasizing its non-approval policy for the recruitment of Nepali citizens in foreign military forces, except for agreements with select friendly nations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed ongoing diplomatic efforts to repatriate Bibek Khatri, a Nepali citizen held hostage in Ukraine.

Additionally, the government has urged Nepali nationals traveling to Russia for reasons other than government assignments, study purposes with Russian scholarships, or business, to obtain an approval letter from the Department of Consular Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Furthermore, a cautionary advisory was issued, urging Nepali citizens to refrain from joining military services in war-torn nations based on false information or external temptations.