KATHMANDU, March 18: Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has urged the Ukrainian government to release seven Nepali nationals currently held captive by the Ukrainian military.
Minister Rana made the request during a meeting with her Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sideline of Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India. The two ministers discussed various aspects of Nepal-Ukraine relations, as well as matters of mutual interest.
According to her Secretariat, Minister Rana raised the issue of the seven Nepalis, who are reportedly being held as prisoners of war by Ukrainian forces. She clarified that Nepal has no policy allowing its citizens to enlist in the Russian military and informed that these individuals were trafficked and forcibly recruited into the Russian army without the consent or knowledge of the Nepali government.
Seven Nepalis still held captive by Ukrainian Army
Highlighting that these Nepali nationals had been taken from remote areas of Nepal by human traffickers, Minister Rana requested Ukraine’s cooperation in facilitating their release. In response, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sybiha assured that the individuals would be released following the completion of necessary legal procedures.
Minister Rana also sought Ukraine’s support for Nepal’s candidacy for membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2027–2029.
During the meeting, the two sides signed an agreement to grant visa-free entry to holders of official and diplomatic passports of both countries.
