18 December, Kathmandu: Ukraine has set a condition for the release of Nepalis captured from the battlefield after joining the Russian Army. While it is reported that Ukraine has taken a certain position and set certain conditions in response to diplomatic efforts led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of Nepal, the exact nature of this position remains unclear.
According to diplomatic sources, Nepal is actively pursuing initiatives to release its citizens serving in the Russian Army through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ukrainian embassy in Delhi, and its embassy in Germany.
Ukraine, however, has not provided a formal response to Nepal’s correspondence at this point. However, diplomatic channels indicate that Ukraine has communicated certain requirements or commitments it expects from Nepal to release these individuals.
“Until now, Ukraine has not sent any official response to the diplomatic notes sent by Nepal. But it is understood that they are looking for a commitment about what will happen after their release”, a high-ranking government source told Onlinekhabar on the condition of anonymity. “Nepal is waiting for a concrete formal answer from Ukraine. Till then, Nepal is engaging in internal discussions to determine the legal commitments it is willing to make.”
As of now, the number of Nepalis who enlisted in the Russian Army and were apprehended by Ukrainian security forces has risen to four, with six reported dead. While data is available for those captured by Ukrainian forces, the numbers for Nepalis in other Russian military units remain unconfirmed.
Foreign Minister NP Saud has confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated diplomatic efforts for the release of the four Nepalis held by Ukrainian security forces. However, he did not provide specific details regarding the nature of these initiatives or the progress made in the diplomatic process.
“We are seeking help from the embassy of Ukraine in Delhi and the Nepali embassy in Germany. We hope to find a way to bring them back soon,” said Saud.
Saud, however, did not want to talk about the conditions put forward by Ukraine.
“We are more focused on what we can do to bring them back at the earliest rather than focussing on the conditions,” he said.
According to sources, Ukraine is awaiting a response from Nepal regarding the matter of preventing Nepalis individuals from participating in the war by enlisting in the Russian Army. Additionally, Ukraine is seeking clarification on the legal actions Nepal intends to take after the repatriation of Nepalis currently under Ukrainian control.
As of now, the exact number of Nepalis enlisting in the Russian Army is not confirmed, but it is believed to be around 500 individuals.
