KATHMANDU, Dec 6: The identity of a Nepali prisoner of war (POW) in Ukraine has been revealed.

The identity of a Nepali individual, who is a POW in Ukraine has been revealed as 22-year-old Siddhartha Dhakal of Mandandeupur-6, Kavreplanchowk.

In a video posted by the POW on social media, he has publicly appealed to the government for assistance in his rescue, expressing concerns for the well-being of his parents.

Siddhartha, the only child of Bidur Dhakal, a farmer, reached Russia two months ago, according to Som Prasad Dhakal, the chairman of the same ward and close family member.

According to him, Dhakal informed Republica that Siddhartha along with three others from the same village had gone to Russia to study. “The rest of my friends are studying in colleges,” he said, “However, due to financial constraints, Siddhartha decided to join the Russian army in search of employment after being unable to continue his college education.”

Chairman Dhakal also suggested to work safely after he heard the news that he had been recruited into the Russian army. He said that the family received information about his arrest on Monday.

“There is crying in the family,” he said, “We are running for his release initiative."

Other family members reached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Tuesday requesting the ministry to take initiatives for Siddhartha's release. Today they are meeting the Prime Minister to take initiatives for Dhakal’s release.

In a recently released video, Siddhartha said that he is safe so far and requested the government to rescue him.

"Namaste Mom and Dad, I'm currently fine here, but I have no idea what will happen later," the individual says in a quavering voice in the video. "There are other Nepalis here too. Please tell the Prime Minister and urge for a quick rescue. Right now, I am remembering my home country and my parents. As the only son in the family, my parents must have suffered a lot of pain,” he said. 

 
• POW
 
• MoFA
 
• Ukraine