Death toll of Nepalis in Russian Army reaches 73

KATHAMDNU: The number of Nepali nationals killed while serving in the Russian army during the ongoing war with Ukraine has risen to 73, following confirmation of the deaths of 23 more individuals, according to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The latest fatalities, verified since mid-December (Poush 9), include individuals from Nawalparasi, Darchula, Salyan, Sankhuwasabha, Kaski, Baglung, Makwanpur, Morang, Pyuthan, Myagdi, Baitadi, Surkhet, and Rukum West.

Ten others whose permanent addresses remain unverified were also identified.

Many of the deceased had been out of contact with their families for over a year. The deaths were confirmed through DNA testing, part of a broader effort by the Russian government to identify deceased foreign fighters by requesting samples from their families. Of the samples sent so far, matches have been found for eight individuals.

Over 50 DNA reports are still pending. Nepal’s Consular Department had sent samples from 58 families in two batches in 2080 and 2081 (Nepali calendar).

Despite these developments, the total number of Nepalis serving in the Russian army remains unknown, with estimates suggesting at least 1,500. Most had joined under a one-year contract, which has now expired.

Russia has reportedly ceased renewing contracts for those holding only Nepali passports but continues to renew contracts for those granted Russian citizenship.

Following Nepal’s diplomatic note last November requesting a halt to recruitment and repatriation of Nepali nationals, Russia has officially stopped new enlistments.

Former Nepali Ambassador to Russia, Milan Raj Tuladhar, confirmed that Moscow halted renewals in response to Nepal’s request.

The conflict, which began on February 24, 2022, escalated foreign recruitment by Russia after it suffered unexpected losses.

In a bid to boost its forces, the Kremlin introduced incentives such as monthly salaries of 300,000 rubles and fast-track citizenship after one year of military service.

This led to the recruitment of Nepali youths via human traffickers through India, the Gulf, and Malaysia, and even some students in Russia joining the army.

Compensation efforts remain complex. Only 11 families of the deceased have completed documentation to claim compensation so far.

Tuladhar emphasized that those named as beneficiaries in the military contracts—or their legal heirs—are eligible for benefits.

He added that whether or not family members travel to Russia, coordination with the Nepali Embassy in Moscow is essential to process the claims.

As the war along the 1,700 km Russia–Ukraine frontline continues, the toll on foreign fighters—including Nepalis—continues to rise, with many still unaccounted for.

Additional 23 Nepali Nationals Killed in Russia–Ukraine War

The following individuals from Nepal have tragically lost their lives in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict:

With Known Addresses:

Hem Kumar Magar – Nawalparasi

Lalit Singh Dobal – Darchula

Tara Prakash Gharti – Salyan

Ram Krishna Adhikari – Sankhuwasabha

Geet Bahadur Gharti Magar – Kaski

Makkhan Bahadur Pun – Baglung

Ram Kumar Pradhan – Makwanpur

Ronal Mishra – Morang

Bhim Bahadur Gharti Magar – Pyuthan

Chhama Bahadur Gharti – Myagdi

Arjun Dutta Bhatta – Baitadi

Sujan Sharma – Surkhet

Ram Kumar Budha Magar – Rukum West

With Unknown Addresses:

Lar Bahadur Budha

Netra Bahadur Thapa

Bikas Rai

Rupak Rai

Mahendra Mall

Ashok GC

Amrit Thapa Ale Magar

Uday Raj Tharu

Pritam Rai

Prem Bahadur Lungeli Magar