'There To Die': Nepali Mercenaries Fight For Russia In Ukraine

Human rights activists protest outside the Russian Embassy in Kathmandu on February 5, 2024, to protest the recruitment of Nepali nationals into the Russian army (Credit: AFP)

Nepali mercenaries are fighting for Russia in Ukraine, lured to kill far from their Himalayan homeland by promises of a passport and cash, but wounded returnees warn anyone tempted to join the war: "Do not come."

While Nepali soldiers-for-hire can bank in a month nearly double what they could earn in a year back home, conditions are brutal and many have been killed or wounded.