December 21: One more Nepali national serving in the Russian Army has died. The deceased has been identified as Kundan Nagal, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.    
The Government of Nepal has requested Russia via the Russian Ambassador to Nepal to repatriate the dead bodies of the Nepalis killed in the war against Ukraine and provide compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured.    
Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again urged Russia not to recruit Nepali citizens in its military rank and file and to send back any Nepali citizen who is currently serving in the army. The ministry has also sought information from Russia about the number of Nepalis who have joined the Russian Army, in addition to the injured ones and their condition.    

The Foreign Ministry has also urged all Nepalis to compulsorily receive no objection certificates (NOC) from the Nepali embassies and consulates in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Saudi Arab, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain if they are traveling to Russia via those countries. Earlier, the NOC was issued only from Consular Service Department under the Foreign Ministry for those going to Russia.    

Meanwhile, the government has expressed serious concern over four Nepalis being held captive in Ukraine. The government has requested the government of Ukraine via diplomatic channel to release and return the captives, according to the Foreign Ministry.    
Efforts are underway for the release and return of the Nepalis held captive, via International Committee of Red Cross.    

Those held captive by Ukraine are Bibek Khatri from Rajapur-1, Bardiya; Siddhartha Dhakal from Mandandeupur-6, Kavrepalanchok; Bikas Rai from Letang-2, Morang; and Pratik Pun from Runtigadhi-8, Rolpa. Utmost efforts are underway for their release, the Foreign Ministry said. -- RSS