We are trying to bring back the Nepalis who are in the Russian army: Foreign Minister Shrestha

But it is understood that although the Russian Foreign Minister is ready to compensate the families of those killed during the war, he does not want to discuss other issues. In this context, Kantipur had a brief conversation with the newly appointed Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha:

What is the government doing to rescue the Nepalese who are in the Russian army?

Whatever needs to be done for the rescue of Nepalis, we are carrying out all the legal procedures.

A video of Nepali soldiers in the Russian army requesting rescue from the Indian government, complaining that the Nepalese government could not do anything, was released on social media on Sunday. Is the government of Nepal unable to bring its citizens?

We are trying to rescue our citizens on our own initiative.

You had a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last Thursday, what did you say?

There was talk about the Nepalis in the Russian army. Some have lost their lives. We wanted the body fast, we said you should bring it to Nepal and also give compensation. We also gave information about Nepal's policy. We told that Nepalis are not allowed to join the army of any country other than the countries with which we have traditionally agreed. We also requested to consider the old friendship between Nepal and Russia.

What did you say about the Nepalis currently working in the Russian army?

We have asked them to cancel the contract with them and send it back.

How many Nepalis are in the Russian army?

We asked the Russian Foreign Minister to inform about the number and condition of Nepalis there. But the foreign minister did not say anything more than giving compensation. He said that the compensation process has progressed. Officials informed that they will have regular talks on other issues.

What did Russia say about the Nepalis captured by the Ukrainian army?

We have told Russia about the Ukrainian army holding Nepalese captives while going to participate in the war on the side of Russia. We have also requested Russia to take initiative to release them.