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Nepal's mercenaries fight for Russia

Adil Bhat in Kathmandu | Sharique Ahmad in Kathmandu
April 13, 2024

The war in Ukraine is thousands of kilometers away, yet Nepalese combatants are risking their lives fighting alongside Russian troops.

https://p.dw.com/p/4eiS4

Recruitment agencies smuggle young Nepalese men into the Ukraine war — they are supposed to fight for Putin's army. They are promised a good income and Russian citizenship.

But reality often looks different. Those who return complain about lack of payment and the terrible war routine. It's a life-threatening mission, many Nepalese are killed in the process. Yet, this doesn't deter some young Nepalese men, like 25-year-old Sonish, who is determined to go to Russia.

A report by Adil Bhat.

DW Adil Bhat
Adil Bhat India correspondent with a special focus on politics, conflict and human-interest stories.
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