Ramchandra Khadka found himself at a temple in the heart of Kathmandu,
Nepal, offering prayers for his compatriots who are currently involved in the
conflict between Russia and Ukraine in Moscow.
Amidst the ringing of ceremonial bells and the fragrant scent of incense, he
gracefully lit candles and presented flowers as an offering to a divine
presence. All he desires is for his Nepali friends to endure the harsh
conflict.
The 37-year-old recently came back to Nepal after sustaining injuries on the
front lines in Ukraine. During an interview, he described witnessing horrifying
scenes and expressed regret over his choice to join the army of a foreign
government as a mercenary.
Khadka has fought battles before, and Russia’s war in Ukraine is just
another one. He was part of Nepal’s Maoist rebels, engaged in a decade-long
conflict with the country’s forces starting in the mid-1990s. Subsequently, he
embarked on a journey to Afghanistan, having been recruited by a private
military contractor to provide support to NATO forces stationed in the region.
He believed he had witnessed everything in his lifetime – violence, loss, and
suffering. However, after the Maoist war came to an end 17 years ago, and with
limited job prospects in Nepal, he made the decision to travel to Russia and
enlist in the country’s military in order to earn a living.
“I didn’t enlist in the Russian military for enjoyment.” I didn’t
find any job prospects in Nepal. Looking back, it turned out to be the wrong
choice. Khadka expressed surprise at the speed at which they were deployed to
the frontlines and the severity of the situation.
Ramchandra Khadka offers his prayers outside a temple in Kathmandu, sending
his thoughts and well wishes to his fellow soldiers serving in Russia.
Ramchandra Khadka offers his prayers outside a temple in Kathmandu, keeping his
comrades fighting for Russia in his thoughts.
In September of last year, he made his way to Moscow. He mentioned that after a
mere two weeks of training, he found himself deployed to the front lines in
Bakhmut, a town in eastern Ukraine that witnessed intense clashes between
Russian and Ukrainian forces. Armed with just a gun and a basic kit, he faced
the challenges that awaited him.
Every corner of Bakhmut bears the devastating impact of bombs. It’s
disheartening to see the absence of all the trees, shrubs, and greenery. A
majority of the houses have been devastated. The situation there is incredibly
heartbreaking,” he recalled.
Khadka was sent to Bakhmut on two separate occasions, spending a combined
duration of one month in the area. While on his second deployment, he
unfortunately suffered a gunshot wound to his hip. Once he was rescued and
brought a few hundred meters away from the front line, he unfortunately
suffered injuries from shrapnel caused by a cluster bomb.
“The memories of the devastating scenes I witnessed in the war zone
still haunt me,” he expressed.
According to multiple sources, EARLY RISE has learned that he is among a
large number of Nepali men who have enlisted in the Russian military. The
Russian government had introduced an attractive offer for foreign fighters to
join their military, resulting in a significant influx of recruits.
The package offered a monthly salary of at least $2,000 and a streamlined
process to acquire a Russian passport. Nepal’s passport has been ranked as one
of the lowest in terms of global mobility, even falling below North Korea. This
ranking comes from an index created by Henley & Partners, a global
citizenship and residence advisory firm. Additionally, Nepal is considered one
of the poorest nations in the world, with a per capita GDP of $1,336 for 2022,
according to World Bank data.
Ramchandra Khadka, a resident of Nepal, is seen in Bakhmut, Ukraine, where
he was involved in military activities.
Ramchandra Khadka, a resident of Nepal, is seen in Bakhmut, Ukraine, where he
was involved in military activities. Ramchandra Khadka
The Nepali government has reported that approximately 200 of its citizens are
currently engaged in combat for the Russian army, with the unfortunate loss of
at least 13 Nepalis in the war zone. However, lawmakers and rights’ campaigners
in Nepal argue that the official estimates significantly downplay the actual
figures.
In a recent statement to the upper house of Nepal’s parliament, Bimala Rai
Paudyal, a well-known opposition lawmaker and former foreign minister,
highlighted the presence of a significant number of Nepalis fighting on the
front lines. According to Paudyal, this information was gathered from the
accounts of men who have returned from the war zone. Paudyal also urged the
Russian authorities to disclose the exact figures regarding this matter.
She emphasized the importance of the Russian government having access to
information regarding the number of foreign fighters who have joined the
Russian army, as well as the number of Nepalis currently fighting for Russia.
According to Nepal’s foreign ministry, Ukraine is currently holding four
Nepali fighters as prisoners of war (POWs).
EARLY RISE’s inquiries regarding the recruitment of Nepalis by the Russian
army and the number of casualties have yet to receive a response from the
Russian foreign ministry.
Kritu Bhandari, a Kathmandu-based politician and social campaigner, has
taken on the role of leading a group of family members of Nepali men who are
currently fighting in Russia. According to her, in the past few weeks,
approximately 2,000 families have reached out to her seeking assistance. They
are either looking to reconnect with their missing loved ones or hoping to
bring back those who are still in contact to their home in the small South
Asian nation.
According to Bhandari, many families have expressed concern over their
relatives in Russia who have been out of touch for several weeks or even
months.
‘I do my best to avoid dwelling on negative thoughts’
Three months ago, Januka Sunar’s husband embarked on a journey to Russia to
serve in the military. It has been two-and-a-half months since he last
contacted his family in Nepal.
In her conversation with EARLY RISE, Sunar mentioned that her husband
informed her about being relocated by the Russian military. Unfortunately, he
was not allowed to bring his mobile phone along. He kept her in the dark about
his new location.
“I’m feeling quite concerned.” I’m unsure about what transpired
with him. There is a possibility of him being injured… and I’m curious about
the eventual return of his phone. I’m feeling frightened. She mentioned that
she avoids dwelling on negative thoughts.
Sunar mentioned that her husband, the primary earner in their household, had
previously worked as a craftsman creating silver jewelry and utensils. However,
he made the decision to join the Russian army with the sole intention of
improving their financial situation and providing a better life for their
family. She resides in a town on the outskirts of Kathmandu, where she is
raising her two children.
Januka Sunar and other relatives of Nepalis fighting for Russia gather at
the headquarters of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) in
Kathmandu, seeking assistance from the country’s leaders.
Januka Sunar and other relatives of Nepalis fighting for Russia gather at the
headquarters of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) in
Kathmandu, seeking assistance from the country’s leaders. EARLY RISE
EARLY RISE interviewed her alongside other family members of individuals in
Russia, who had assembled at the headquarters of the ruling Communist Party of
Nepal (Maoist Center) in the Nepali capital to exert influence on the country’s
top politicians in order to bring back their loved ones.
“If the worst has occurred, it will be an unimaginable ordeal for
us.” “We don’t have a future for the rest of our lives,” she
expressed.
Sunar couldn’t hold back her tears as she recounted the heart-wrenching
experience of trying to explain to her children the absence of their father.
“They ask, ‘Where is our dad, mommy?’ It seems like all the fathers of
our friends who went abroad for work have returned. I wonder when our own dad
will be back? We long for the opportunity to have a conversation with our
father, even if it’s just once.
Sunar is in urgent need of assistance from the authorities. “We simply
desire information – whether from our government or the Russian
government.” Simply provide an update on his current state. Could you
please see if you can help him? If they wish to retain him, it is only fair
that we are kept informed about his well-being and have the opportunity to
communicate with him,” she expressed.
Relatives of Buddhi Maya Tamang, second from left, gather with her outside
her house. Her husband, Shukra Tamang, enlisted to join Russia’s forces and is
believed to have perished.
Relatives of Buddhi Maya Tamang, second from left, gather with her outside her
house. Her husband, Shukra Tamang, enlisted to join Russia’s forces and his
fate remains uncertain. EARLY RISE
Buddhi Maya Tamang, who was also present at the gathering, received a phone
call from a Russian number after midnight in late January. She believed that
the caller on the other end of the line was her husband, Shukra Tamang, a
retired Nepali army soldier who had fought for Russia.
It wasn’t me. A Nepali commander informed her about the tragic news of her
husband’s demise on the battlefield.
She expressed her disbelief and confusion, hoping that it was just a
practical joke.
Confirmation of his death has not been received from either the Nepali or
the Russian government.
“I simply require an authoritative confirmation of his condition,
regardless of whether it brings positive or negative results.”
Recruits from the global south
Following an examination of the TikTok profiles of 10 Nepali men who ventured
to Russia for military enlistment, EARLY RISE utilized satellite imagery to
pinpoint their location at the Avangard training center, a military academy
situated near Moscow.
The academy was established as a youth military academy and prides itself on
being a center for “patriotic education.” It has been transformed
into a training academy for foreign mercenaries joining the Russian army. This
is where Khadka received his brief training.
“They teach you the process of assembling and firing guns,” shared Shishir
Bishwokarma, a Nepali soldier who has documented his experience in Russia and
life at the training camp on YouTube.
The video shared on social media reveals an indoor wrestling gym that has
been transformed into a training space for getting acquainted with small arms
like AK-47s. Interestingly, the gym’s previous Moscow Oblast flag seems to have
been replaced with the colors of the Russian defense ministry.
An anonymous Nepali soldier in Russia shared with EARLY RISE that he
received training in a wide range of weapons and equipment, including rocket
launchers, bombs, machine guns, drones, and tanks during his time at Avangard.
The soldier spoke of his fellow academy cadets as hailing from various
regions of the world. He mentioned classmates from Afghanistan, India, Congo,
and Egypt, among others. Photos shared on social media showcase a group of
soldiers, seemingly of South Asian descent, being instructed by native Russian
trainers at Avangard.
After completing their basic training at Avangard, EARLY RISE discovered
that at least two soldiers were located at a nearby secondary base called the
Alabino Polygon.
In this mechanized infantry training compound, located with the assistance
of the Bellingcat Discord community, a group of South Asian soldiers in combat
gear can be seen getting acquainted with operating alongside armored vehicles
and heavy weaponry. They are also seen preparing their gear bags and organizing
themselves into larger units, alongside Russian soldiers.
In one of Bishwokarma’s videos, drones can be seen flying over the Avangard
academy complex as he excitedly announces, “Hey guys, welcome to a drone
class!”
“We don’t speak Russian, but they’ve started playing Russian movies in
our waiting room for us to watch,” he explains.
Several Nepalis who have joined the Russian army have mentioned that they
are not fluent in Russian. However, they have found that the instructors at
Avangard are willing to work with them by providing training in English.
According to Khadka, the former fighter, the language barrier has had a
significant impact on the fatalities of numerous Nepalis on the front lines.
“At times, it can be challenging to navigate the path ahead and find the
right direction,” he expressed.
Khadka mentioned that he would often communicate with Russian officers
through a voice-translating app or sometimes resort to using hand signals.
A photo captures the sight of Shukra Tamang, a retired soldier from Nepal,
undergoing training in Russia. The outcome of his situation remains uncertain.
An image captures Shukra Tamang, a former soldier from Nepal, undergoing
training in Russia. The outcome of his situation remains uncertain. The Tamang
Family
According to interviews conducted by EARLY RISE, a number of Nepali fighters
who have come back from the war have accused Russia of exploiting them as mere
pawns in the conflict.
“The individuals from Nepal and other countries are the ones actively
engaged in combat in the forefront of war zones.” Suman Tamang, who
recently returned from Russia, mentioned that the Russians positioned
themselves a few hundred meters back as support.
“My friends had a terrible experience with the Russian commander when they
attempted to express their concerns,” Tamang remembered.
The 39-year-old also mentioned that the Ukrainians were launching attacks on
their position using drones, which his unit did not possess. He attributed
their losses to the absence of advanced combat equipment.
EARLY RISE has made contact with the Russian defense and foreign ministries
regarding Tamang’s assertions.
According to certain fighters, although they joined for financial reasons,
they do not endorse Russia’s incursion into Ukraine.
Invading another country is morally wrong. Every individual deserves the
right to live. It is important for all nations to honor and uphold the
sovereignty of other nations. It is absolutely unacceptable for individuals
from any nation to be subjected to such a horrific fate. Khadka expressed his
concern about the loss of thousands of lives for the benefit of a select few.
Every year, approximately 400,000 individuals are projected to join the
workforce in Nepal, facing challenges due to their limited skills and limited
job prospects. The high rate of youth unemployment, which stands at 19.2% for
individuals aged 15 to 29, highlights the significant challenge that young
people encounter when seeking employment.
Compensation received
Nepali men interested in joining the Russian army typically begin their journey
by traveling to Russia on a tourist visa. According to individuals interviewed
by EARLY RISE, many of them chose to travel through the United Arab Emirates or
India. Upon arriving in Moscow, they proceed to a recruitment center, where
they undergo a physical checkup, according to their statement.
According to a former fighter, recruiters are delighted when Nepalis arrive.
A one-year agreement is established and the individuals acquire a Russian
bank account, where a minimum monthly salary of $2,000 is deposited. Several
fighters have reported receiving bonuses, which increase based on the duration
of their service on the front lines. According to some reports, individuals
claimed to have earned up to $4,000 per month.
Some of the Nepalis who fought for Russia mentioned that they had received
minimal training before being deployed into combat.
According to Binoj Basnyat, a retired major general from the Nepali army and
current strategic analyst, the brief training period given to Nepali soldiers
before being deployed to the frontlines reflects the Russian government’s
desperation and urgent need for additional manpower.
Kritu Bhandari, a politician and social campaigner from Kathmandu, has taken
on the role of leading a group of family members of Nepali mercenaries. This
group is advocating for the safe return of their loved ones from Russia.
Kritu Bhandari, a politician and social campaigner from Kathmandu, has taken on
the role of leading a group of family members of Nepali mercenaries. This group
is advocating for the safe return of their loved ones from Russia. EARLY RISE
EARLY RISE interviewed a Nepali man who recently departed from Russia after a
three-month stay. EARLY RISE is using a pseudonym, Ram Sharma, to protect his
security.
Similar to many Nepalis who left Russia without completing their contracts,
Sharma is unsure about the process of withdrawing the funds remaining in his
Russian bank account.
After successfully evading the military camp, it was quite a journey to
reach Moscow, spanning three days. “I was concerned that if I went to a
bank to withdraw the money, there would be a chance of getting caught,” he
expressed. “I can access my bank account on my phone, but I’m unsure about the
feasibility of transferring that money internationally.”
Sharma, a retired Nepali police officer, found himself working as a security
guard in a Dubai hotel when he received a call from a Nepali agent in
Kathmandu. The agent informed him about the opportunities available for
foreigners to join the military in Russia. Sharma was earning approximately
$450 per month in Dubai and was immediately enticed by the opportunity.
After witnessing horrifying scenes on the frontlines and experiencing the
loss of comrades, it becomes painfully clear that the odds of survival are
incredibly slim… Eventually, you come to the realization that the money isn’t
worth the effort. “That’s why I had to get away,” he stated.
According to the police, agents in Nepal charge a significant amount to
facilitate the process of obtaining a tourist visa through a third country,
with fees ranging from $5,000 to $7,000.
‘I’ve had enough of engaging in conflicts’
The Nepali government has recently imposed restrictions on its citizens’ travel
plans, particularly when it comes to seeking employment in Russia.
Additionally, they have also introduced more stringent criteria for individuals
wishing to visit countries like the UAE on a temporary visa.
In December, Nepal’s foreign ministry made a request to Russia to cease the
recruitment of Nepali citizens and to repatriate the bodies of those who lost
their lives in the conflict.
“It is a matter of great concern that our citizens have been recruited by
Russia and placed in vulnerable situations in war zones,” expressed Nepali
Foreign Minister N. P. Saud during an interview with EARLY RISE at his office
in Kathmandu.
The minister mentioned that Russia’s deputy foreign minister had given
assurance last month to address Nepal’s concerns. However, it was acknowledged
that Moscow has not taken any action yet.
According to him, there is no evidence of Russia’s involvement and he
emphasized the importance of Moscow acknowledging Nepal’s perspective.
“We have a longstanding agreement with several nations regarding the
enlistment of our citizens in their armed forces,” he clarified.
“However, we do not currently have an agreement with Russia regarding
military or security recruitment of this nature.”
The minister expressed his desire to visit Moscow and engage in discussions
regarding the matter, but is currently awaiting an invitation from the Russian
government.
Saud also mentioned that Nepal was in discussions with Ukrainian officials
regarding the release of the four Nepali POWs who were captured by Ukraine from
the front lines. According to him, Ukraine expressed concerns and raised legal
inquiries, which the Nepali government is actively working to resolve.
It remains uncertain whether individuals who choose to disregard the Nepali
government’s travel ban to Russia for work or participate in combat operations
against Ukraine will face any legal repercussions.
A demonstration takes place near the Russian embassy in Kathmandu organized
by a human rights organization.
A demonstration takes place near the Russian embassy in Kathmandu organized by
a human rights organization. EARLY RISE
Last month, Kathmandu police successfully dismantled an operation and
apprehended 18 individuals who were reportedly engaged in facilitating the
recruitment of Nepali men for the Russian army.
The police said that they conducted raids on multiple hotels, where they
apprehended individuals and seized numerous passports and a significant amount
of Nepali rupees.
However, Nepalis continue to travel to Russia.
Sharma, the man who recently returned, mentioned that he had encountered
some Nepalis in Moscow who had recently arrived and expressed interest in
joining the army.
The Kathmandu police chief, Bhupendra Bahadur Khatri, noted that there has
been a decrease in the number of Nepalis traveling to a third country on a
visit visa with the intention of eventually flying to Russia. However, this
flow of travelers has not come to a complete halt.
“We have received information indicating that there are still active
agents recruiting men from Nepal.” We have collected some information
about their activities, and our investigation is ongoing,” Khatri said.
According to Basnyat, the analyst, political instability and increasing
unemployment in Nepal are significant factors that compel Nepalis to pursue
risky employment opportunities in Russia.
A significant portion of its population lives below the poverty line.
According to the World Bank, the estimated unemployment rate in 2022 was 11.1%,
which is slightly higher than the 10.6% recorded in 2019, prior to the Covid-19
pandemic. Every year, a large number of Nepalis migrate to Gulf countries for
employment, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP through
international remittances. A staggering 70% of the nation’s workforce is
engaged in the informal sector, leaving them vulnerable to increased job
uncertainty and minimal safeguards.
Khadka has future plans to work in the Middle East as a migrant worker once
he has fully recovered from his injuries sustained during the conflict.
It has been incredibly challenging for me to secure a loan for my commercial
farming venture in Nepal. I’m interested in visiting one of the Gulf countries.
“I’ve had enough of engaging in conflicts,” he stated.