KATHMANDU, Feb 2: A Nepali youth, who escaped from the Russian army and returned home before his deployment to the warzone, revealed that Nepalis recruited in the Russian Army were taken directly to the warzone in Ukraine.

Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu on Friday, Suman Rai, who hails from Khotang, disclosed that upon joining the army, Nepali recruits were immediately deployed to the battlefield, leaving their chances of survival to near zero. He said that there is a practice of the Russian army to deploy Nepali soldiers in the forefront of conflict zones, putting their lives at great risk.

According to Rai, the language barrier poses a significant problem for Nepali soldiers, leading to fatalities when they are taken to exposed areas in Ukraine, where they struggle to comprehend the Russian language.

He stated, "Nepalis are sent directly to the battle field, facing a bleak chance of survival. There is no margin for survival; it's zero percent. We are positioned in the open field and Ukrainians target us easily. Many Nepalis have lost their lives, and despite not being publicly disclosed, the death toll of Nepali nationals stands around 400 to 500."

The families and relatives of Nepali nationals, who were recruited in the Russian army, have urged the government to initiate their repatriation as soon as possible. He said that the Nepali nationals, who were recruited into the Russian army, are in serious trouble. 

Stating that their relatives and family members were enticed by financial gain to go to Russia, they urged the government to take responsibility to bring them back to their homeland.

 
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