Russia's recruitment of paid fighters from other countries for its ongoing conflict with Ukraine has come under scrutiny, with a recent exclusive report revealing that as many as 15,000 Nepali men have been recruited by the Kremlin. These fighters, enticed by promises of financial rewards, have found themselves thrust onto the front lines, suffering both physical and language barriers. While this conflict may seem distant to the people of Nepal, it has become an unexpected tragedy with devastating consequences.
Ramchandra, one of the fortunate few who managed to escape with his life, recounted his experiences in Ukraine. He endured injuries from a bullet and shrapnel while witnessing fellow Nepalis lose their lives. Some grievances were raised regarding the perception that Russian troops held back while putting paid fighters in harm's way. The language barrier further exacerbated the chaos, making it difficult for these recruits to understand their directions or even maneuver their weapons effectively.
Despite the evident challenges and risks, Nepali individuals continue to sign up for this opportunity, often showcasing enthusiastic videos of their military training in Russia on social media platforms. In reality, former recruits have disclosed that they were forced into battle after only a brief two-week preparation period, armed with rifles and meager contracts offering a few thousand dollars per month - a sum that holds great value in a nation plagued by high unemployment.
The majority of those recruited from Nepal hail from impoverished regions throughout the country. Their motivation primarily stems from the financial aspect rather than any deep-rooted ideological allegiance. Tragically, news reached the outskirts of Kathmandu where a woman discovered her husband's tragic fate as he was killed in the conflict in Ukraine. She was informed of his death by a Nepali commander serving alongside him, as no official communication had been received from the Russian authorities.
Russia's treatment of Nepali fighters has sparked growing frustration within the country, as seen in protests near the Russian embassy in Kathmandu. Despite efforts by Nepali officials, including the Foreign Minister, to address the issue with Russian authorities, their concerns appear to have fallen on deaf ears. There is a distinct lack of information regarding the total number of Nepali fighters currently engaged in this conflict, with conflicting reports ranging from 200 according to Nepali officials to a worrisome estimate of 15,000 as suggested by various sources including returning fighters and campaigners.
As concerned parties await a response from Russia regarding recruitment numbers and casualty figures, the situation remains uncertain, with reports indicating that hundreds of Nepali fighters are currently out of contact. The anguish experienced by families, such as that of Januka, who hasn't heard from her husband in over two months, is unimaginable. Uncertainty looms over their fate, leaving loved ones desperately longing for answers and closure.
This distressing revelation has shone a light on the plight faced by Nepali fighters embroiled in Russia's military operations in Ukraine. It is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflicts that often go unreported or overlooked. As international attention turns to the issue, there is hope that efforts will be made to protect these individuals and find a resolution to the tragic circumstances they now find themselves entangled in.
